After a long day, relaxing with a glass of red wine is a terrific way to unwind. Researchers have long emphasized the heart-healthy properties of wine, but what if I told you there are several other health advantages to sometimes sipping red wine? Red wine has long been associated with heart health when consumed in moderation. The combination of alcohol and certain antioxidants found in red wine may help ward off coronary artery disease, the condition that causes heart attacks. Uncertainties remain regarding any associations between red wine and fewer heart attacks. However, red wine’s antioxidants may help prevent cholesterol formation and raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is considered to be the “good” cholesterol.
In particular, if you have a family history of alcohol use disorder, medical professionals do not advise starting to drink alcohol for heart benefits. Alcohol abuse can affect the body in a variety of ways.
Here are 7 more advantages of red wine that you probably weren’t aware of.
1. Protects your smile.
Red wine has a reputation for being a big, huge stainer, which can be accurate when it comes to your teeth. However, research demonstrates that wine also guards your teeth from bacteria. Red wine’s proanthocyanins (antioxidant-rich flavonoids) help keep bacteria from adhering to your teeth, avoiding cavities and plaque accumulation. That’s cause for a smile right there.
2. Aids digestion.
Red wine may do more than merely facilitate discussion during a dinner. Wine’s polyphenols assist your gut in reducing certain substances’ negative effects before they spread to the rest of your body. Additionally, they instruct the body to create nitric oxide, which helps to enhance digestion and counteract the effects of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by relaxing (or stretching) the walls of your stomach as it fills with food.
3. Whittle your waistline.
In addition to helping you feel fuller longer and reduce your appetite (so you eat less), studies show that red wine may also slow the development of fat cells thanks to a compound called piceatannol. In essence, the chemical prevents the formation or maturation of fat cells into mature fat. The outcome is a decreased risk of obesity.
4. Strengthen your bones.
According to recent studies, drinking red wine in moderation helps preserve strong, healthy bones. When it comes to postmenopausal women, this correlation is very clear. A lower risk of getting osteoporosis is associated with stronger bones. It’s a delicate balance, though, as excessive ingestion can have the opposite effect and weaken and brittle the bones. Always exercise moderation!
5. Fight a cold.
It’s true that once viruses are inside your body, their ability to multiply is inhibited by the high concentrations of antioxidant-rich polyphenols. Additionally, it aids in reducing your vulnerability to cold and flu viruses in the first place. People who drank two or more glasses per day had a 44% reduced incidence of colds than non-drinkers, per a Spanish study.
6. Prevent cancer.
Red wine has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties thanks to the presence of polyphenols in some of the most interesting research. (Especially resveratrol). Grape polyphenols offer amazing antioxidant properties, including defense against free radicals that can harm DNA and cells and cause cancer. In instance, research on animals has shown that resveratrol inhibits the development of tumors and the growth of cancer cells. Future cancer prevention and therapy will hopefully benefit from this information, according to researchers.
7. Live longer.
Resveratrol may not only combat cancer, but it also slows the aging process. Resveratrol was found to 60% increase lifespan in an intriguing new worm study! This is achieved through preventing diseases (including cancer, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes) as well as by activating the so-called “longevity gene” (SIRT1), which further improves general health and wellness. Resveratrol has the potential to significantly increase human vitality and lifespan, according to scientists.
These are only six advantages of red wine; additional studies indicate it may also help lower cholesterol, fend off dementia, and even improve lung function. Just keep in mind that these health advantages only occur with modest use (aim for 1 to 2 drinks per night for men and women), and that excessive consumption actually negates many of these advantages.
8. Red wine helps regulate blood sugar.
Red wine can really aid in blood sugar regulation despite having natural sugars in it, according to the American Diabetes Association.For up to 24 hours after consuming red wine, your blood sugar may drop, which may be advantageous for people with high blood sugar levels. Red wine can be a beneficial dietary additive when consumed in moderation, but it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for blood glucose management drugs and treatment strategies.
9. It maintains dental health.
New research suggests that red wine may maintain the health of your tongue. According to recent research, red wine, and in particular the helpful polyphenols we’ve talked about so much, can really fight against the bad oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Red wine essentially keeps the bacteria from causing things like cavities or plaque by preventing it from attaching to teeth and gums.
