Amazing Effects of Drinking Wine You Never Knew, According to Science
Maybe that glass of wine at the end of the day really isn't so bad after all. In fact, according to our extensive research, we've come to find out that drinking wine actually has some incredible benefits for your body that will have you reaching for a glass and popping that cork immediately. Between strengthened heart health, lowered disease risk, and even researched cases of longevity, the effects of drinking wine can do your body wonders.
Here's how, and for even more healthy tips, be sure to check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
Wine is linked to good heart health.
Red wine and better heart health? Yes, it really is true! One study in particular—published by the journal Molecules in 2019—concluded that moderate red wine consumption has a clear effect on reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This is due to the phenolic compounds in red wine, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce insulin resistance and decrease oxidative stress.
However, the American Heart Association does make it clear that typically regular wine drinkers are seeing a positive heart health response because they are likely living a healthier lifestyle, which includes following a healthier eating plan like what you would seeing the Mediterranean diet.
According to a study published by the Oxford Academic journal Alcohol and Alcoholism, moderate alcohol consumption (even if you count beer or spirits) has been linked to raising your "good" HDL cholesterol. Plus, another study from the journal Diabetes Care says moderate alcohol consumption can lower the risk of diabetes. Both of which play a huge role in heart health.
It's also important to point out that "moderate alcohol consumption" can mean more than just red wine. The AHA says that alcohol in moderation means having one drink per day for women, and two drinks a day for men. A drink is considered 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, or around 1 ounce of a spirit.
Here are the Two Best Diets For Heart Health, According to Doctors.
Wine can give you a boost of antioxidants.
As previously mentioned, red wine contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help your body ward off disease. This is due to the resveratrol in the dark red grapes, which is a natural antioxidant in the skins. This antioxidant can help reduce oxidative stress in the body, which according to the journal Nutrients can help clear links for other diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Here's Why You Need Antioxidants In Your Diet—And How To Eat More Of Them.
Wine can help reduce blood pressure.
Speaking of resveratrol, the AHA states that this specific antioxidant can also help reduce blood pressure. Studies have shown that foods high in this antioxidant—like grapes, peanuts, and blueberries—are all linked to reducing your "bad" LDL cholesterol and lowering your blood pressure. Lowered blood pressure means a reduced risk of heart disease.
Nevertheless, it's still important to keep in mind that the positive effects of drinking wine come from moderate alcohol consumption. If you're drinking more than what the AHA defines as the "moderate" amount (one per day for a woman, two for a man), then you may experience the opposite effects of drinking wine like liver damage, obesity, and increased risk of cancer and stroke.
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Wine can sharpen your thinking skills.
Can a glass of wine really make you smarter? Apparently! According to a recent study published by the JAMA Network, low to moderate drinking has been linked to better cognitive function for middle-aged or older men and women in the United States. In particular, they noticed better cognition in terms of recalling words, mental status, and vocabulary.
However, it's also important to note that the study says slower rates of cognition can come from alcohol depending on the person, and to keep your alcohol drinking in moderation. The JAMA Network's study points out that having up to 10 to 14 drinks per week showed the strongest cognitive function. So sticking to the recommended one glass of wine a day is a great sweet spot to be in.
Wine is linked to a longer life.
This may be the most amazing effect of them all. Did you know that there is a dense population of centenarians living in the Mediterranean who drink wine on a regular, even daily basis? Wouldn't it be nice to also live to be 100 and drink wine every day?
While it may seem impossible, following a healthier, active lifestyle (and a Mediterranean diet, which is proven to be the best diet for overall health by the U.S. News & World Report) has been linked to a longer life. And while eating carbs and drinking wine isn't what you would think to associate with healthier living, the longevity of the people in the Mediterranean prove it to be otherwise.
Studies even show it to be true! One study published in the journal Diseases concluded that red wine consumption (1 to 2 glasses per day) as part of the Mediterranean diet has been "positively associated with human health promotion, disease prevention, and disease prognosis."
Now that we've thoroughly convinced you to start sipping on your vino—in moderation, of course—it's time to stock up on one of these 30 Best Wines You Can Buy at Costco.
