The benefits of drinking wine have been an issue of debate for many years. Wine has been an early form of medication, being used as a digestive aid, a cure for diarrhea among other ailments.
The use of wine is also common in many cultures, religions and traditions. It is used in the Eucharist among Christians, and in the Kiddush among Jews.
The excessive use of wine will put one at a higher risk of diverse health issues.
Let us take a look at some of the benefits of drinking wine, red wine in particular.
Cancer: although, alcohol in general is a toxin, and damages cells, drinking red wine in moderation has shown some beneficial effects to reduce the risk of cancer. Red wine contains a chemical – resveratrol, a non-flavonoid phenolic compound which has anti oxidant properties.
Also, according to a research conducted at the Yale School of Public Health in 2009, red wine contains some protective benefits against some forms of cancer, including lung cancer among men, and colon cancer according to a study in Stony Brook University.
Digestion: red wine is suggested to have a link to lower occurrences of gallstones, because of its positive effects on cholesterol [a major component of gallstones]. A moderate consumption of red wine also has a soothing effect on stomach ailments.
Cardiovascular system: again, moderate consumption of red wine reduces the risk of heart diseases. Studies also show that moderate drinkers of red wine balance their bad cholesterol [LDL] level to their good cholesterol [HDL] level. Red wine can also be beneficial in the sense that it prevents blood clotting and plaque formation in arteries, which ultimately prevents heart attacks. This is due to the presence of resveratrol, which is more in red wine than white wine.
Vision: The anti-oxidant and anticoagulant properties of red wine have shown positive effects on the vision as people age.
The key to all these benefits is to make sure you take red wine in moderation. Moderation means at most two drinks per day for men and at most one drink per day for women.
Excessive intake of alcohol, including red wine, increases your chances of dying of heart attacks, high blood pressure and weakens the heart muscles. Also, excessive alcohol increases estrogen level, putting especially women at a higher risk of breast cancer.
Photo Credit: sciencedaily.com
