Why a Glass of Red Wine a Day May Be Good for You
Dr. Wang Curry is a psychologist practicing in Dubai, UAE. Dr. Curry specializes in the treatment of mental health problems, and helps people to cope with their mental illnesses. As a psychologist, Dr. Curry evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy.... more
A long day can be perfectly punctuated with a red glass of wine. Sipping red wine after a long and hectic day is not only a modern routine but also an ancient tradition. The drink not only gives you comfort and relaxation but also contributes to many health benefits, including heart health, brain function, sleep cycles, and skin aging. But according to science, how much consumption is considered healthy remains the question.
Let’s explore the health benefits of drinking red wine and find out why enjoying a daily glass may do more good than you think.
1. Heartfelt Benefits in Every Sip
The doctors and researchers have taken red wine seriously for years due to its most celebrated benefit, heart health. It has been found that the antioxidants in wine may improve your heart, protect your blood vessels, lower LDL cholesterol, and increase HDL cholesterol. Moderate consumption of red wine may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease when combined with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
2. Antioxidants are abundant in beneficial food
Red wine contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that protect the body against stress caused by free radicals. They may protect your body from cell damage, reduce inflammation and enhance your overall and long-term health. Out of all types of red wine, the ones made from purplish grapes have the highest concentration of health-supporting compounds.
3. Promotes mental and cognitive abilities
Recent studies suggest that moderate consumption of red wine may help preserve brain function as we age. Experts suggest that resveratrol may enhance mental function by improving blood circulation to the brain and protecting it against Alzheimer’s disease.
4. A Natural Stress Reliever
Enjoying a glass of red wine at the end of a hard day soothes your mind and may help lower stress. Drinking red wine increases the body’s release of dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with calmness and happiness. In moderation, drinking may help you relax naturally.
5. Promotes Longevity
Cultures in France, Italy, and Greece, who commonly enjoy the Mediterranean diet, enjoy red wine with meals and often report lower rates of heart disease and longer life spans. When red wine is consumed in balance and moderation, the health benefits of drinking red wine have been linked to increased longevity.
How Much Is Too Much? Understanding Moderation
While the benefits of red wine are promising, they only apply to moderate consumption. So what exactly does that mean?
- For women: 1 glass (about 5 oz) per day
- For men: Up to 2 glasses (about 5 oz each) per day
Drinking more than this amount can nullify the benefits, potentially lead to liver damage, increase your blood pressure, and create a dependency on alcohol.
Some might wonder, “how much champagne to get drunk?” Depending on the individual’s weight, metabolism and how much they can tolerate, the drinks are balanced in alcohol content, the same as wine. Generally, two to three glasses of champagne can lead to obvious intoxication for most people. Binge drinking opposes the healthy approach to alcohol consumption.
Final Thoughts
Taking a sip of red wine after dinner can be beneficial for health, happiness, and mental health. Just remember to take it in moderation, and you can enjoy the health benefits of drinking red wine without stress. Enjoying wine with dinner or by itself, one glass each day could be the first step to a better lifestyle.
