Cheers to Your Health! How Wine Boosts Your Well-being

Wines offer different experiences in one's mouth with its various characteristics. With lots of options out there in the market, wine enthusiasts can enjoy wines that are sumptuous and fruity, savory and smoky, light and crisp or those that are heavy and flavorful.

With just one sip, different types of wine can give you a unique gastronomical experience. Not only that, but this beverage can provide you a slight detail on the country where it was made due to its vineyard. 

For instance, the 2017 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Napa Valley in California. It is a place where sunlight plays on their lush fields. This makes the soil fertile, resulting in the wine's characteristics of full-flavored fruit and ripe, velvety tannins.

There's no doubt that wine brings you different experiences as you enjoy its various tastes. However, did you know that wines-specifically red wines, are good for your health? If you are eager to know about its benefits, then read the rest of the article to know more.

Antioxidants for Body Protection

The oxidation in one's body is a process that is damaging to the cell membranes and other structures such as cellular proteins and DNA. This process occurs when oxygen is metabolized and turns into free radicals. The free radicals take away electrons from other healthy molecules causing damage to the cells, then to the organs.

Now, this is where antioxidants work, battling free radicals that cause life-threatening illnesses like cancer and heart diseases. Consuming food and drinks rich in antioxidants will help, and wines are part of the list. 

Grapes contain high levels of polyphenols, which are antioxidants, making wines rich in the said substance. Lots of studies support it, wherein one of them is conducted by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Barcelona. 

Their study has revealed that white wines have more significant amounts of antioxidants than red wines, although red wines are also equally rich in antioxidants, as many studies suggest.

A Healthier Heart

Another reason why you should toast wine to your health is because of the substance found in wines known as tannins. Tannins contain procyanidins that also neutralize free radicals. Studies have shown the efficacy of procyanidins against preventing cardiovascular diseases. 

The said study was overseen by the researchers from the Israel Institute of Technology, wherein the effects of red wine on blood vessels were explored. The research has shown that after 21 days of red wine consumption, the health of the blood vessels improved, enhancing the body's blood flow. 

This results in a healthier heart and decreasing the chances of one's risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, remember to drink responsibly. Wine in moderation can bring your heart many benefits but can cause a lot of damage in the body if not restricted. Avoid drinking more than necessary.

Lowers Cholesterol

The responsible flavonoid for lowering the body's cholesterol is also the procyanidins that can be found in tannins of red wines. The very chemical that promotes a healthy heart, as mentioned before, is also responsible for lowering cholesterol levels.

Also, red wines have resveratrol. Resveratrol reduces the LDL or low-density lipoprotein, popularly known as the bad cholesterol while increasing the HDL or high-density lipoprotein, also known as the good cholesterol. 

Thus, this indicates that one's blood pressure benefits from drinking red wine since it keeps the body's cholesterol levels moderate.

Stronger Bones

Good news for women out there who like to sip after an extended tiring weekday! Researchers found that moderate wine drinkers decrease their risk of developing osteoporosis, a disease related to aging, which leads to loss of calcium and density in one's bones. 

A study that was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in April 2000 showed that women who drink one to three glasses of wine a day have high bone mineral density. Note that it specifies moderate wine drinkers, thus consuming more than advised might not end well. 

Improves Cognitive Function

A couple of glasses does help clear one's mind after a busy day. However, what if it also helps improve one's cognitive function? In a new study found in the journal of Scientific Reports, researchers have found that moderate wine consumption can help the brain clear away toxins, including the toxins associated with Alzheimer's disease. 

The substance found in red wine, known as resveratrol, improves brain function by preventing neurons located in the brain from dying off.

Takeaway

Cheers to your health! Now that you know the benefits of consuming wine, make sure to limit your drinking to avoid repercussions. Also, do not forget to store wines properly and make sure that you serve them the way they should be. Lastly, choose a type of wine that you enjoy drinking, so you can relish it while enjoying the health benefits it brings.

© MD News Daily.