CONFUSED ABOUT WINE? Choose Red For Its Many Health Benefits

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Apart from its numerous flavours and blends, red wine is not only one of the most popular choices across the globe but is also deemed as healthy.

 

A glassful of sweet red wine along with some soothing classical music might seem like the perfect Friday evening mood setter, while ushering in the weekend. But, apart from a slight buzz and a feeling of subtle euphoria, does red wine really have any health benefits?

A study conducted by the Department of Sociology, Virginia Tech in the USA found that alcohol in red wine, when taken in moderation, results in lower all-cause mortality when compared with nondrinkers. However, it is not the only benefit red wine has on one’s health.

Red wine reduces risk of type-2 diabetes in women

Cancer Epidemiology Centre, Australia, conducted a study to examine the association between amount and frequency of alcohol consumption and type-2 diabetes and found that alcohol from wine was associated with a reduction in risk of type-2 diabetes.

Red wine comes packed with antioxidants

Grapes are rich in antioxidants, including resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins. Among these proanthocyanidins is instrumental in reducing oxidative damage to the body as well as preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

A study conducted by the University of Antwerp Belgium found that proanthocyanidins act as a cancer chemo-preventive and anti-inflammatory agent reducing the risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Red wine reduces depression risk in women

The Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Spain, conducted a study where they found that moderate consumption of wine may reduce the incidence of depression, while heavy drinkers seem to be at higher risk.

The study found that 5 to 15 grams of wine consumption was associated with a lower risk of incident depression.

Red wine may lower risk of heart disease, stroke

Drinking moderate amounts of red wine reduces the risk of heart disease by helping retain the good HDL cholesterol in the blood. A study by the Department of Medicine of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey found that red wine inhibits the cell-mediated oxidation of lipoproteins.

Another study by the Toulouse University School of Medicine, France found that moderate alcohol intake is associated with a low risk of ischaemic heart disease.

Reduces risk of cancer

A study found that moderate consumption of wine and beer reduces overall mortality, mainly from coronary diseases as well as from cancer because of two main components in wine — alcohol and polyphenols.

The study found that moderate wine consumption is associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, diabetes, and colon, basal cell, ovarian, and prostate carcinoma.

However, moderation is the key and anything in excess could have a negative impact on your overall health. So, drink wisely.