Millions of people around the world are consumers of wine. There exists a thin line between moderate and excessive intake of wine. Moderate intake of wine is about a glass(150ml) per day for women and 300ml for men. This article would further discuss wine, a bit into its process, and its health benefits.
Wine – What is it made of and the different types
Wine is simply the alcoholic liquor made using a fermented wine grape juice as the main ingredient. Compared to table grapes, wine grapes are small, sweet, thick-skinned, and contain many seeds. The two types of wine grapes are:
- White grape: it is usually green in color
- Black grape: it is typically red
From these two wine grapes, some varieties are used to make thousands of wine varietals and blends. There are six main types of wines, and they include:
- White wine
- Red wine
- Rose wine
- Sparkling wine
- Dessert wine
- Fortified wine
You also might want to consider joining a wine club if you are a wine lover and have a lot of interest in this article.
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The eight benefits of taking wine
Wine has been around for thousands of years, and it might surprise you that the process of production has not changed much. Below are eight health benefits of wine that you, as a wine lover, should know.
1. Longevity of life
The resveratrol that is found in wine is a powerful antioxidant. The role of antioxidants in the body is to fight toxins. Research has shown that the resveratrol found in the skin of grapes, peanuts, and berries may improve our health by increasing the activity of specific sirtuin (SIRT1) in the body. Sirtuin is a protein that is responsible for protecting the body against diseases related to aging. You may consult with your doctor on the moderate amount of wine you should take.
2. Healthy heart
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, taking 17.9 million lives yearly. This is a cause of concern as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are related to the heart and blood vessels.
Studies have shown that intake of polyphenols which have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, may reduce the production of compounds that are the leading cause of CVDs in the body. Polyphenol may hinder the progress of hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.
Wine is an excellent source of polyphenol. Drinking wine, especially red, may also raise the HDL cholesterol level (the good cholesterol).
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3. Fighting Depression
According to WHO, approximately 280 million people suffer from depression, and about 700,000 die of suicide. Depression is a common mental disorder, and the fact that alcohol may help reduce the risk of depression might contradict popular belief. You must have seen how alcohol may have worsened one’s depression or anxiety but what you don’t know is wine taken at a dose of 2-7 glasses per week may reduce the risk of depression.
PREDIMED conducted a seven-year study that analyzed 5,505 high-risk men and women. The investigation led to a discovery; those who drank two to seven glasses of wine per week were less prone to depression than non-drinkers. From the same survey, it was concluded that heavy drinkers were more prone to depression. A reminder that it is about the quantity you consume, moderation is key.
4. Fighting Dementia
Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other diseases related to cognitive abilities. Dementia is to the brain as cardiovascular disease is to the heart. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, and it is usually related to aging. Studies have shown that moderate wine intake may protect against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Some other studies may have shown that mild to high consumption also has a protective effect.
Different factors come to play in this case, such as sex and age. You may have to consult with your doctor to know what dose is correct for you. Since wine also contains resveratrol, an antioxidant, it aids the flow of oxygen to the brain. This keeps the brain healthy and alive and helps prevent memory loss.
5. Healthy skin
Studies have shown that red wine is richer in antioxidants like flavonoid and resveratrol compared to white wine. Antioxidants can help protect the skin from oxidative damages caused by free radicals. Antioxidants also have powerful anti-aging benefits to the skin; proper blood circulation rejuvenates your skin and keeps it glowing.
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6. Moderate wine intake can help prevent obesity
According to WHO, overweight BMI (Body Mass Index) equals to or more than 25 while obesity is BMI equals to or more than 30. Obesity is a term usually referring to excessive fat. WHO reported that over 2.8 million people die of obesity each year. Studies have shown that moderate drinkers of wine may be protected from weight gain and even have a healthier lifestyle. A clinical trial in 2004 conducted on obese subjects showed that white wine aided in significant weight reduction.
7. Improve eyesight
A review stated that the resveratrol contained in wine has extensive effects on the eye. Resveratrol has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and vasorelaxant properties. Resveratrol may have the potential to remedy several ocular diseases.
8. Moderate intake of wine strengthens bone
Many older women who have reached menopause suffer osteoporosis (i.e., A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile). Studies have shown that moderate consumption of wine may be beneficial to men and older women. You might need to consult with your doctor about what the standard dose might be.
Conclusion
There you have it, eight healthy benefits of taking alcohol. Do you see yourself as a moderate or heavy drinker? Whatever your answer is, have you noticed any effects of taking a drink in your body?
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