5 Red Wine Health Benefits

Strict nutritionists and doctors will say that all alcohol is bad because of the potential for its abuse. They are completely correct in their assertion that alcohol can lead to dependency, depression and worse. On the other hand, responsible adults who like to enjoy a glass of their favorite wine varietal can receive some health benefits. Like anything in life, moderation is key.

Stomach Health

For years doctors have been promoting red wine as a way to increase heart health but there has been other benefits hiding in the shadows. One benefits of drinking red wine are the probiotics that live in the drink. Probiotics are living micro-organisms that help digestion of food. Probiotics are added to some foods while fermented food and drinks like red wine contain them naturally. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that concluded red wine intake can help these probiotics (micro-organisms) grow in the human body and increase digestive health.

Antioxidants

Red wine contains antioxidants like Resveratrol and other Polyphenols that help increase the health of your cardiovascular system and have anti-aging properties. Resveratrol?s main source is from red wine grapes and their skin. This substance mainly helps individuals reduce blood clots, bad cholesterol and prevents blood vessel damage.

Fits Your Diet

Many people think that wine can lead to weight gain. Like anything, if you drink red wine in excess you may gain weight. If you couple your red wine consumption with an active lifestyle and healthy diet, red wine can actually help you maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Arthur Agatston is a Cardiologist and creator of the South Beach Diet. Dr. Agatston says, ?When alcohol is mixed with food, it can slow the stomach?s emptying time and potentially decrease the amount of food consumed at the meal.? The alcohol of choice for Dr. Agatston is red wine because of its antioxidant content.

Lower Your Cholesterol

Alcohol has been proven to raise ?good? cholesterol (also known as HDL) by a rate of over 20 percent if consumed in moderation alongside a healthy diet. ?Good? cholesterol has been shown to lower cholesterol in the human body. Since red wine has other health benefits, it is the number one recommended drink to consume in moderation over beer and spirits.

Boost Brain Power

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that women who consumed alcohol had increased brain power. The study evaluated over 12,000 women between 70-81 years of age. The research showed an amazing 23% reduced risk of a decline in mental capacity when compared to nondrinkers!

While red wine is the number one alcohol to drink for health reasons, individuals should still consult with their doctor and always drink in moderation. Like Aristotle wrote, ?It?s best to rise from life like a banquet, neither thirsty nor drunken.?

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Source: http://www.hivehealthmedia.com/5-red-wine-health-benefits/

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