Red wine has been a favorite of most for thousands of years! Red wine has an excellent taste and is great for entertaining friends and family. But did you know that it has some amazing health benefit as well?
I’ve always heard that one glass of red wine a day is really beneficial to your body. But I have never really heard of any specific health benefits from red wine until I researched it. It turns out that red wine can be an excellent alternative medicine for many different health conditions! Red wine also gives your immune system a powerful boost! This aids your body in fighting off pathogens, bad bacteria, and diseases. I give the red wine an A plus!
Red wine actually has tons of benefits for your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart-healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks.” That is really interesting, and I believe that this should be well known to the public. They Mayo Clinic also says that they do not fully understand the links between red wine and fewer heart attacks. It could be that red wine has a high content of antioxidants. These antioxidants might increase levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL’s) This is also known as the good cholesterol. It protects against the buildup of bad cholesterol.
Antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol is one substance in red wine that’s gotten attention. Dr. Mercola explains that polyphenols are micronutrients with antioxidant activity. He says that they are found most abundantly in whole foods such as dried spices, fruits and vegetables. He also adds that wine, chocolates, fruits and veggies, and extra virgin olive oil are good sources of polyphenols.
Red wine also contains an ingredient called Resveratrol. This ingredient helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces LDL’s, and prevents blood clots! This is a key nutrient for good heart health. It adds a healthy kick to your cardiovascular system. Some research shows that Resveratrol could be linked to a lower risk of inflammation and blood clotting, reducing the risk of heart disease. However, more research is needed to determine if resveratrol lowers the risk of inflammation and blood clotting.
A 2012 preliminary study done on rats suggested that resveratrol is able to provide the same benefits for heart function and muscle strength as one hour of exercise! Researchers say, “some of the benefits of regular exercise can also be mimicked by the naturally occurring polyphenol, resveratrol”. Although red wine does contain resveratrol, it does have a low percentage of the ingredient. Red wine has also been known for lowering blood sugar. This is also a benefit derived from the all powerful resveratrol. Red wine can additionally boost your brain, fight off a cold, potentially prevent cancer, and increase weight loss!
A glass of red wine a day probably won’t keep the doctor away, but it will give your body an additional health boost! If you are looking to shape up and become more healthy, I would definitely suggest having a glass of wine every afternoon. Perhaps enjoy it after your exercise routine! Bottom line, red wine is great for your cardiovascular system and your immune system! Next time you enjoy a little too much wine, don’t feel so guilty! It’s healthy, right?