In recent years, it has become common knowledge that red wine is right for your health. What is it about red wine that is good for you that is missing from white wine or other alcohols? Here are just a few of the numerous benefits of drinking red wine every day.
1. Stress Reduction
Having a glass of wine can help you to wind down after a long day. Stress causes the production of a hormone called cortisol, which can wreak havoc on your body. Some of the nasty side effects of cortisol include weight gain, increased blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Having a glass of red wine each day may significantly decrease the amount of cortisol your body releases in response to stressful situations and, in turn, can prevent these adverse side effects.
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2. Lower Cholesterol
The human body makes two types of cholesterol: LDL, which is the “bad” cholesterol, and HDL, which is the “good” cholesterol. Having high levels of bad cholesterol can clog arteries. This can eventually lead to blockages that cause strokes and heart attacks. HDL, the good cholesterol, is what helps the body get rid of the bad stuff. A study conducted in Spain reported that subjects given a red wine component had up to a 12 percent decrease in their harmful cholesterol levels. This is because it increased the levels of good cholesterol. The increase allowed their bodies to get rid of the bad cholesterol more efficiently.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Drinking a moderate amount of red wine can also help you to maintain a healthy weight. One of the most beneficial compounds in red wine is an antioxidant known as resveratrol. This miracle compound can keep the body’s fat cells from growing. This doesn’t mean that drinking red wine will help you lose weight, but a glass a day might keep you from gaining any when combined with exercise and a healthy diet.
4. Slow Down the Effects of Aging
Another desirable benefits of drinking red wine is the potential to slow down the visible signs of aging. The antioxidants in red wine will give your skin a youthful glow. They also combat harmful free radicals that can cause wrinkles or lead to cancerous skin cells.
5. Ward Off Disease
The powerful antioxidants responsible for the other benefits of red wine also help to prevent many devastating diseases. By helping lower blood sugar, red wine can potentially ward off type 2 diabetes development. Antioxidants are known to help prevent the formation of cancer cells throughout the body. Resveratrol can help to keep your memory sharp and avoid the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It may even keep you from catching a common cold and help protect your immunity.
6. Combat Tooth Decay
The same antioxidants that defend against cancer and weight gain can ultimately protect your teeth and gums as well. These compounds decrease the amount of inflammation in your body, which can protect your gums from infection. Also, they can harden the protective film on your teeth, which can prevent cavities.
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Feel free to start making the red wine a part of your diet today; however, while these benefits have the potential to better your health, drinking red wine should be done in moderation. It is suggested that women have no more than one glass of wine a day. Men should not consume more than two glasses a day to reap the full benefits of drinking red wine. Having more than this can have the opposite effect on the body. As always, consult your doctor before combining alcohol with any medications you may be taking.
