Health Benefits of Drinking Red Wine – Toast to Good Health

Much to the delight of wine lovers, studies have revealed that red wine has plenty of health benefits. It began with Hippocrates, popularly referred to as the ‘Father of Western Medicine’, that red wine was to be a part of a healthy diet.

Grapes are crushed whole and fermented along with the juice and body; this is what gives red wine its distinct color whilst retaining the antioxidant compounds found in the seeds and skin of the grape. During the process of producing red wine, polyphenols, essential minerals and vitamins are retained – all which have a positive effect on the physiological functions of the human body.

What else can a glass of claret do? A recent survey shows that the presence of polyphenols helps to curb the growth of bacteria which are known to cause various digestive ailments such as diarrhoea and ulcers. Various minerals and enzymes present in red wine prevent damage to the body cells. The icing on the cake is that as red wine helps with digestion, consumption in a moderate quantity can actually help in weight loss!

Resveratol – a chemical found in red wine – and other anti-diabetic compounds help to lower the blood sugar levels. If this is not enough reason for you to switch loyalties to red wine, here’s more –

• Red wine helps to regulate the cholesterol levels in the body.
• Had a stressful day? Sip on a glass of red wine; it’ll help you sleep better at night.
• Red meat may not be a healthy choice of food, but when paired up with a glass of suitable red wine, it aids in digestion.
• The plentiful antioxidant compounds present in red wine neutralize free radicals in the body preventing cancer formation. Studies have shown that Resveratol can help prevent cancer and also prevents DNA mutations which could lead to cancer.
• Red wine also helps prevent plaque formation protecting the body from cardiovascular diseases.
• Popular for its protective properties against heart diseases, red wine can also help prevent blood clots and reduce damage caused to the blood vessels due to deposits of fat.

Yes, red wine has plenty of health benefits in its kitty. But before you reach out to the nearest glass of claret, here’s something that you need to bear in mind – moderation, moderation, moderation! You can reap the benefits of red wine only when it is consumed in a limited quantity. So, how much is ‘moderate’? Because women absorb alcohol in a much more rapid manner, it is one glass a day for the fairer sex while men can enjoy two glasses a day. Because of lower body water content and different levels of stomach enzymes, the consumption for women must be lower. Sorry, ladies!

Shiraz, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon….take your pick, and raise a toast to good health! Cheers!

Moderate Drinking Definition

• 2 glasses of wine for men daily
• 1 glass of wine for women daily

Image sources: Winefolly, American Heart Association