11 Health Benefits of Red Wine

Going by observations and studies conducted till date, the health benefits of red wine should look justifiable to many. But what is it in red wine that acts as a precursor to good health? It’s the magical ingredient resveratrol that does the trick. This beneficial constituent is found in red grapes and some other fruits, and although red wine is known to contain just a tiny bit, these amounts are considered sufficient to maintain good health.

Recently, the positive effects of red wine were questioned by a team of scientists who believed that alcohol consumption might contribute to heart disease. However, the results of the trial were not conclusive enough for any clear recommendations to be passed.

Listed below are some medical areas where red wine seems to have shown promise:

1. Heart disease: Experts believe that consuming a single glass of red wine each day could relieve the blood vessels of excess pressure. This would subsequently relax the working of the heart, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. Sticking to the rule that too much of anything can be harmful, it is important that consumption is carried out in limited proportions, preferably a single serving each day.

2. Stroke: In addition to heart disease, red wine has proven effective in stroke prevention. Basically, resveratrol activates an enzyme called heme oxygenase in the body that is said to shield the brain against nerve damage. Most of us are familiar with the benefits of antioxidants and this compound essentially starts off such a mechanism in the body.

3. Type 2 diabetes: Some studies have suggested that red wine contains constituents which control blood glucose levels. In this case, compounds called polyphenols found in red wine seem to show promise. Moderate consumption of the drink could work like anti-diabetic medication, as per a few reports. Considering that diabetic persons have to give up quite a few delicacies to maintain their health, a glass of red wine might be a breather. Again, there’s no doubt that consuming in moderation is the key.

4. Lung cancer: Now, this is something really counter-intuitive we’re talking about. How can red wine help prevent cancer? Professionals at Kaiser Permanente Southern California in Pasadena, believe that resveratrol might have the potential to lower lung cancer risk in smokers. Just as expected, it’s the substance’s antioxidant properties that seemingly bring about the effect. However, smokers shouldn’t use red wine as a safe excuse to continue their habit, as the protective effect is quite low.

5. Alzheimer’s: This is something that should put red wine on the pedestal, as it is one of the most crucial health benefits of the drink. Polyphenols found in red wine are known to impede proteins that create harmful plaques in the brain. The formation of such plaques is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s. This could also be regarded as its anti-aging effect, as Alzheimer’s is known to strike mostly during old age. A recent Georgetown University Medical Center study showed how resveratrol could target a gene associated with brain aging.

6. Cavities: Visiting the dentist to fill up cavities can be a painful experience. So how can a glass of tempting red wine be of any help here? Well, certain studies conducted in the past have shown that specific polyphenols found in red wine block the activity of bacteria messing with our teeth. These compounds expel an enzyme that locks up bacterial concentrations. Also, generation of acid is one of the primary causes of tooth decay. Polyphenols have been found to reduce the ability of bacteria to form acids.

7. Aging: Worried about shaky hands, poor eyesight and muscle weakness? Could this drink provide any anti-aging benefits? Well, resveratrol is known to beautify people by reducing signs of aging and helping to maintain optimal health. It seemingly keeps the eye lustrous and glowing, while bone health is conserved in the process too. Adding to that, it supposedly replicates the effect of low calorie food for good health in elderly people.

8. Prostate cancer: It’s hard to believe that red wine could aid something for which the medical realm is yet to find a remedy. Nevertheless, resveratrol is said to lend not just antioxidant attributes to the body, but anti-cancer effects as well. According to experts at the National Cancer Institute, a glass of red wine each day could cut the risk of prostate cancer in half.

9. Pancreatic cancer: Apart from preventing cancer, red wine may lead to effective treatment of pancreatic cancer, says Dr. Paul Okunieff of the University of Rochester Medical Center. The tumor cells which are initially exposed to resveratrol and further exposed to radiation are apparently pushed to death. Moreover, the damage to healthy cells in the process could be stopped. This should ideally make it a therapeutic alternative for cancer, though it depends on the kind and severity of the disease.

10. Weight Loss: Coming as good news to all those fitness enthusiasts, red wine is known to promote weight loss and increase stamina among people. The team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) believes that it could increase physical endurance and glucose tolerance. This is because resveratrol boosts the generation of mitochondria that play a major role in increasing the body’s energy. So the next time we’re asked to climb up a flight of stairs we know what to do. And the answer doesn’t involve taking the elevator. To top it off, fat production is decreased, thereby enhancing weight management.

11. Life span: So why should we care about the benefits of red wine? Undeniably, we want to be healthy and add more years to our lives. This is precisely what the wine is capable of doing. In a way, this attribute sums up all the aforementioned effects, be it diabetes, heart disease, or obesity prevention. As David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School puts it, a mitochondria-boosting gene activates resveratrol to increase life expectancy.

In retrospect, toasting a happy couple’s longevity with red wine makes complete sense. Additionally, it is known to prevent certain kinds of blindness and food-borne diseases. Though there are the health benefits of red wine encouraging consumption, the drink may not be able to cure ailments. And remember, never self-medicate. It’s always better to consult a professional, especially when it comes to diseases like cancer. So take good care of your health and say cheers.