“When I was a younger man my Grandmother Mary used to tell me how wine enhanced a meal and how great food enhanced your life. So when science and medical journals started reporting that a glass of red wine a day was good for you, they were just confirming something I already knew.”
–Joe Braman, Owner of Braman Wines
It seems everyone has a family adage like this. While a lot of people believe it, no one actually knows for sure what red wine contains that makes it so special. Even doctors can’t exactly agree on what is in wine that makes it so beneficial—but my own grandmother, who drank a glass of boxed red wine every night, was on to something.
Antioxidants
Red wine, like other types of alcohol in moderate amounts, can improve your heart health. Red wine is a rich source for antioxidants called polyphenols, which are in charge of protecting the lining of the blood vessels in your heart, greatly reducing your risk for heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol
A glass of your favorite red every day might also increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) and prevent the bad type of cholesterol (LDL) from forming. This also reduces your risk of artery damage caused by the formation of LDL.
Alcohol
As you recall from our story "How to Be Smart about Drinking Alcohol," the benefits of moderate amounts of alcohol are:
Even though doctors can’t agree on the ingredient that makes it beneficial, doctors everywhere agree that you should never start drinking for the benefits and you should NEVER binge drink.
Resveratrol
This is the icing on the proverbial cake. Resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes, is packed full of benefits for your health. During the fermentation process, the grapes used for red wine production are fermented longer in their skins than those used for white wine. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies conducted on resveratrol showed this antioxidant could also be linked to reduced inflammation and blood clotting.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to a recent report from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a daily glass of wine may increase the blood’s level of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. This helps increase the body’s ability to fight heart disease.
Other Benefits
The benefits of red wine encompass more than just being good for your heart. Studies are now showing that moderately consuming wine is linked to better cognitive function.
In the study conducted in Norway, 5,033 male and female subjects, with an average age of 58 (and stroke-free), were followed for 7 years, during which they were given cognitive tests. The study found that, among women, there was a much greater chance of receiving a good test result in those who consumed wine at least 4 or more times during a two week period. There was a much greater chance in receiving a poor test score when women consumed less than 1 drink during the two week period. Basically, those who drank wine were at the top of the 'class'.
Even if you reap none of the other benefits, wine can make you happy! Joshua Crumpton, the wine director of Braman Wines said, “I am no scientist or doctor, but I can say that a glass of red wine paired with a perfectly grilled steak makes me smile.” After a long day, you and your grandma can unwind together with a glass of your favorite merlot!
Catherine Saunders is a staff writer and researcher at EndlessBeauty.com
Elvis Presley, an American legend, died on August 16, 1977, of a drug overdose. At the time, he was clinically obese. For the entire month of August, EndlessBeauty.com will be featuring stories with the theme ‘Elvis Month: Alcohol & Obesity Awareness.’ We’re bringing you potentially life-changing stories on the health risks behind alcohol use and obesity, and some lighter fare too. Stay tuned all month for Elvis Awareness Month!
