Red wine is thought to provide a number of health benefits, many of which are attributed to the compound resveratrol. Some potential benefits of red wine include reducing the risk for heart disease, improving blood sugar control in people with diabetes, and helping to protect cognitive function.
Additionally, red wine is high in antioxidants, which may help to protect cells from damage. While research on red wine health benefits is ongoing, drinking moderate amounts of red wine may offer some health advantages. Let’s take a look at a few of the potential benefits of red wine.
Reduced Inflammation
Red wine is a popular drink that contains antioxidants that can fight inflammation. The antioxidants in red wine are called polyphenols, and they include flavonoids and resveratrol. Polyphenols are found in other foods as well, but red wine has a high concentration of them.
Polyphenols help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to inflammation. The antioxidants in red wine can scavenge these free radicals and protect the cells. This may help to reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease, which are associated with chronic inflammation.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Red wines are made from different types of grapes, but all red wines have one common ingredient: red grapes. Grapes are known for their health benefits, and red grapes are no exception. Red wines are known to lower the bad cholesterol in your system. According to a study, the high-fiber Tempranillo red grapes used to make certain varieties of red wines such as Rioja lower bad cholesterol levels.
Heart Health
One major benefit of consuming red wine is that it helps protect against heart disease. As discussed, the polyphenols found in red wine help keep arteries clear by preventing cholesterol from building up on their walls. This reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, antioxidants in red wine can help prevent plaque formation on artery walls, which can lead to atherosclerosis. Polyphenols can also help prevent unwanted clotting by keeping the blood vessels flexible.
Lower Blood Sugar
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body processes sugar. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and blindness. One natural compound that may help control blood sugar levels in diabetic persons is resveratrol. A 2012 study published in the journal found that subjects who took 250 mg of resveratrol supplements once daily for three months had lower glucose levels in blood than those who did not. Resveratrol is a compound found in grape skin and other fruits and vegetables and is naturally present in red wine.
Brain and Memory Function
Another potential health benefit of drinking red wine is that it may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The resveratrol found in red wine has been shown to improve brain function and prevent nerve damage associated with these diseases. It also seems to promote the growth of new neurons, which could help delay or even prevent the onset of these conditions.
While there are health risks associated with drinking too much alcohol, you don’t have to give up your favorite red wine just because you’re worried about the health risks associated with excessive drinking. In fact, red wine can actually offer some health benefits, as long as you don’t overdo it. Overall, the health benefits of red wine are vast. They include a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer, as well as benefits for the brain. Moderate consumption of red wine is generally safe and healthy.
