Dry red wines have fewer calories and carbs than other types of wine. Also, dry red wines tend to have more health benefits than other types of wine. So, when the levels of insulin are reduced, it means that our bodies can burn more fat.
She is a registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience in the field, specializing in gut health and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the same aspects that make muscadine wine so potent can also create health complications for people with certain medical conditions. While apple cider doesn’t have much fiber, it can still help people with constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. As it’s not filtered, the drink does keep some of its pectin content. Wine can be very sweet, so skipping dessert altogether can help you save some calories. This will help to offset the sweetness of the dessert and prevent you from overindulging.
How to Incorporate Red Wine into a Healthy Lifestyle
Furthermore, red wine’s diversity of polyphenols not only protects your cells, but they may also act as probiotics (healthy bacteria that promote digestive health). As such, these polyphenols may be beneficial for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases in the intestine. Red wine is a complex mixture of water, alcohol, acids, carbohydrates, minerals, and a wide range of antioxidants, including aromatic compounds and polyphenols. These antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules that can damage your cells.
Pairs Well With Healthy Foods
It’s possible, however, that compounds other than resveratrol in red wine are responsible for a lower risk of certain cancers, including colon and prostate cancer. Evidence regarding the effects of red wine on blood pressure is mixed. This is because excessive alcohol consumption is linked to high blood pressure (BP). However, certain compounds in red wine may have a beneficial effect on endothelial function, which is related to how smoothly your blood flows. Polyphenols in red wine may protect the heart by neutralizing harmful reactive substances in the body. As potent antioxidants, they can reduce LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) oxidation, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
- A 2024 report from the American Association for Cancer Research concluded that more than 5% of all cancers in the U.S. are attributable to alcohol use.
- A glass with dinner now and then might help your heart, blood flow, or digestion, thanks to natural stuff in the grapes called antioxidants.
- Resveratrol, a type of polyphenol found in red wine, may also help improve short-term memory.
- Alcohol can alter brain chemistry, affecting mood and increasing the likelihood of depressive symptoms.
Risks and Downsides
A 2019 review reported that drinking red wine is linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, which is a leading cause of disease and death in the United States. The authors concluded that red wine might have cardioprotective effects. Drinking 1–2 glasses of red wine each day may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
One of the most popular beliefs is that red wine is good for your heart. This idea partly comes from the “French Paradox,” where people in France tend to have lower rates of heart disease despite eating high-fat foods. A 2013 study from Spain examined the effects of wine on mental health, and depression in particular.
Reduces stress
This also means that red wine is packed with plant compounds (polyphenols), boasting 10 times more than white wine. The amounts of these compounds will vary, though, depending on the grape, its maturity, the climate, production method and maturation and ageing conditions. When consumed in moderation, red wine may have health benefits, including improved heart, gut, and mental health, and a lower risk of age-related conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that drinking too much alcohol can elevate your risk of high blood pressure, cancer, liver disease, and stroke. If you do drink red wine, it’s therefore best to do so in moderation.
Below, we delve into the 14 most amazing benefits of red wine, exploring the science behind each one and how they can contribute to a healthier lifestyle when enjoyed responsibly. Beyond its health benefits, red wine is often enjoyed in social settings, where it can enhance meals and foster connections with others. The act of sharing a bottle of wine with friends or family can create a sense of community and relaxation, contributing to overall well-being. The cultural and social aspects of red wine are an important part of its appeal and can add to the enjoyment of life.
Is a moderate intake of red wine safe for adults?
While both products contain juice squeezed from apples, the process is a bit different. It may or may not be pasteurized, which is the process of heating the liquid to a certain temperature to kill bacteria. Apple juice, on the other hand, is filtered juice that’s been heated to 190 F during processing. Whether we are going to intake food, beverages, or any other things, we should always think about the nutrition that it can give to our bodies. Throughout the 10,000 or so years that humans have been drinking fermented beverages, they’ve also been arguing about their merits and demerits. The debate still simmers today, with a lively back-and-forth over whether alcohol is good for you or bad for you.
- It’s important to remember that while a glass of wine can potentially offer temporary stress relief, it should not be used as a primary coping mechanism for mental health issues.
- The nutrient polyphenols are plant-based chemicals that have numerous health benefits.
- For example, one study found that one or two drinks a day may help to keep your brain functioning well as you get older, maintaining things like vocabulary and word recall.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidance on the health risks of drinking too much alcohol.
Combining moderate red wine consumption with other stress-reducing practices like exercise, meditation, or hobbies is a healthier approach. However, excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to brain health and can lead to cognitive deficits. Therefore, moderation is crucial to reap the potential brain-boosting benefits of red wine. Red wine can interact with certain medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
Benefits of Red Wine for the Heart, Body & Mind
Drinking a glass of red wine can be a ritual of relaxation, a mindful moment that encourages slow, appreciative consumption. Remember, while red wine has potential health benefits, it doesn’t replace a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Making red wine a part of your lifestyle should enhance it, not complicate it. Although the application of Resveratrol topically through skincare products may offer benefits, the effects of consuming red wine on skin health are not fully understood.
Excessive consumption can interfere with REM sleep and lead to nighttime awakenings. By modulating this response, resveratrol can help lower cortisol levels, reducing stress. Whether you enjoy red wine as part of your daily routine or are considering adding it to your diet, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Isabel Vasquez is a bilingual registered dietitian practicing from an intuitive eating, culturally sensitive framework. She also offers intuitive eating coaching for Latinas to heal their relationships with food, particularly their cultural foods. In addition, people who misuse alcohol or have alcohol use disorder have a higher risk of developing a mood disorder like depression.
While the potential advantages are intriguing, they’re linked to moderate consumption. Over-drinking can quickly tip the scales from beneficial to harmful, leading to a myriad of health issues including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, addiction, and mental health are there health benefits to drinking red wine pros and cons, nutrition information, and more problems. Regular and excessive consumption of red wine, like any alcoholic beverage, can lead to dependency and addiction.