For years we have been taught to think of all types of drinking to be generally bad for health. But more recent studies show wine may produce certain health benefits when consumed in moderation.
So should we be drinking wine for the health benefits it provides? And if so, how much should we be drinking? This article will tell you what you need to know.
What are the Benefits of Drinking Wine?
Drinking wine may produce the following benefits:
- May Reduce Cell Damage: Wine is rich in antioxidants. This means it offers protection from oxidative stress that breaks down cells and causes disease. Drinking wine has been associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- May Reduce Inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked with conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Wine contains a compound called resveratrol which has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it lowers the risk of certain diseases.
- May Benefit Heart Health: Studies have shown wine to be effective in reducing the rate of heart disease. This may be due to its high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants. These have proven to be helpful in keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
- May be Good for Mental Health: Wine can relieve anxiety and depression. However, drinking excessively can negatively impact mental health.
- May Benefit Digestion: Studies have shown that wine may promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria which may benefit digestive health. It may also improve metabolic syndrome markers in people with obesity.
Potential Downsides of Drinking Wine
While wine produces several benefits, it also comes with its share of downsides, especially when consumed in excessive quantities. Heavy alcohol consumption has been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers, diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, pancreatic disease, and unintentional injury. An average of 87,798 Americans die every year of an alcohol-related death.
How Much Wine Should I Be Drinking?
So how much wine should you be drinking to enjoy its benefits without overdoing it? A recent study showed that women should be drinking 1 glass (150 ml) per day, and men should be drinking 2 glasses (300 ml) per day to optimize health.
What Type of Wine Should I Be Drinking?
There are both red and white wines on the market. So which should you be drinking to enjoy optimal benefits?
More research is needed to determine how beneficial white wine can be. But so far, red wine is in the lead due to its high concentration of resveratrol. Red wine has up to 10 times more resveratrol than white wine making it a favorite among those who wish to stay healthy.
So go ahead and indulge with a glass of wine in the evening. As long as you don’t overdo it, it should do more good than harm. Will you be adding wine to your daily routine?
