For several years now, numerous scientific studies have proven that red wine is obtained by crushing and fermenting whole grapes. It is beneficial for health when consumed in moderation. These benefits are linked to the presence of antioxidants such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins in considerable quantities in red wine since it has been treated with the skin of grapes. Since wine contains alcohol, it should not be abused. But when we drink a glass or two a day as an aperitif or with our friends, we can enjoy these 6 surprising health benefits of red wine:
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
Different reasons can cause heart disease. Prevention of this disease is almost impossible, so researchers are working on it to find cures. Studies suggest that drinking a small amount of red wine may reduce the risk of death from heart disease by keeping the "good" HDL cholesterol in the blood. A 2006 study at Queen Mary University in London, published in the prestigious Nature daily, showed that the tannins in red wine protect us against heart disease. That said, if you already have a heart problem, seek the advice of your doctor before drinking a glass of wine.
- Red wine reduces the risk of having a heart attack
According to a 16-year Harvard School of Public Health study of 11,711 men, moderate drinkers with high blood pressure are 30% less likely to have a heart attack than non-drinkers. Their results were published in Annals of Internal Medicine, 2007. Moreover, red wine would be the ideal drink to protect the body from such a health problem.
- Drinking a moderate amount of red wine decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes
Another study involving 369,862 participants, carried out over 12 years by the Medical University of Amsterdam and whose results were published in "Diabetes Care" in 2005, proves this. According to these researchers, moderate drinkers have a 30% lower risk than non-drinkers developing type 2 diabetes. However, if you have diabetes, we recommend that you consult your doctor before consuming alcohol, even in moderate amounts.
- Drinking red wine reduces the Risk of Stroke
This time around, it's a Columbia University study of 3,176 people over eight years published in Stroke, 2006 that says it: people who drink a moderate amount of alcohol have 50% less risk of having a stroke due to the presence of a blood clot in the vessels draining the nervous system. That said, avoid abuse so you don't have to face the opposite effect because drinking too many alcoholic beverages can lead to a stroke.
- Drinking red wine reduces the risk of suffering from depression
People who drink between 2 and 7 glasses of wine per week are less likely to suffer from depression. Moreover, toasting with relatives or friends improves mood and allows you to escape for a moment to forget personal problems or take advantage of your loved ones' support to find solutions to these concerns. Staying alone makes you more likely to sink into depression, as drinking with friends helps build sociability.
- Red wine is good for the skin
Antioxidants like flavonoids, resveratrol, and tannin in red wine can help fight skin aging. These components help restore collagen and elastin fibers, thereby preventing skin aging and reducing fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating sagging skin. On the other hand, this is not the case with alcohol abuse, leading to dehydration of the skin, causing drying and faster aging.
Final Words
While it seems evident that moderate amounts of red wine can be right for you, remember that all health benefits only apply with moderate consumption. Besides, alcohol abuse can lead to the opposite effect, as it can increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and cancer. According to experts, moderate drinking comes down to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men who are adults of legal drinking age.
