When it comes to wines and stuff like that, most of the people in India shy away from it, saying they do not consume alcohol. But there are actually many health benefits of having a red wine.
Too much of anything is bad, that is true but if consumed in a proportionate amount, it will give more benefits than causing harm. With an alcohol content of only 12-15%, red wine is one of the healthiest drinks in the world if you look at it that way. However, moderation is the key!
So what are these health benefits that we are actually talking about?
1. Boost heart health
The antioxidants present in the red wine increase the level of good cholesterol in the body which in turn prevents cholesterol build-up which causes heart disease(1). So having a little amount of red wine regularly is really good for your heart. However, if you have alcohol issues, it is better to stay away from it and moderation in ci=onsumption is very important.
Two glasses of red wine are same as having 5 litres of fruit juice(2).
2. Fight diabetes
Having red wine can lower your blood sugar level for up to 24 hours, as said by American Diabetes Association. Patients with type 2 diabetes can benefit from the consumption of red wine(3). Polyphenols in red wine is responsible for controlling the blood sugar level. So a consumption of red wine for three to four times a week might reduce the chances of diabetes in people by 30% as compared to people who have it once a week(4).
3. Fight cancer
University of Rochester Medical Center said in a report that resveratrol in red wine can be helpful in destroying pancreatic cancer. In fact, doctors recommend not to stop having red wine, if you already are consuming it, because it also protects the normal tissues from the effects of radiation. Bowel cancer can also be prevented by having a moderate amount of red wine regularly.
4. Prevent obesity
Resveratrol in red wine has the capacity to convert bad fat into a calorie burning brown fat. It enhances the oxidation of dietary fibres and fat in the body to prevent over loading. Damaging effects of smoking can also be reduced by the consumption of red wine.
Again the stress is on MODERATION because too much consumption of red wine for a long time can cause weight gain and heart disease.
5. Promotes long life
Yes, you can get a longer life by having red wine. It has a great content of antioxidants which gives good energy and the resveratrol in red wine can promote longevity to as much as 60%(5). There are many scientific ways to explain this, but let us not get into those.
Just keep in mind that M.O.D.E.R.A.T.E. amount if consumed, would do good and provide above benefits but if consumed in excess, can cause more damage!