25 Benefits of Drinking Wine
Updated on April 25, 2016
You’ve no doubt heard it before… wine has antioxidants that can be beneficial. But what does that really mean for you? Today we’re sharing 25 fantastic benefits that will make you feel better about pouring that glass of wine tonight. But be sure to limit your intake to one or two glasses per day. Cheers!
1. Slows brain decline
Columbia University studies show that nondrinkers’ brain health declines at a faster rate than those who drink wine in moderation. Head over to Food and Wine to read more about this and other great benefits of wine.
2. Boosts HDL
According to the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, scientists found that those who drank one or two glasses of wine per day had significantly higher HDL or “good cholesterol.” Read more over at WebMD.
3. Reduces heart attack risk
Red wine appears to dilate arteries and increase blood flow, therefore reducing the possibility of the most dangerous type of blood clots that cut off blood supply. Make your way over here to read more.
4. Resveratrol may help prevent obesity
Resveratrol, a polyphenyl, has been proven to help prevent obesity in mice… and more research is being done on humans. But of course, as usual, be sure to consume wine in moderation – because it also contains calories! Read more here.
5. Cuts risk of colon cancer
Studies have found that moderate consumption of wine (red wine especially) helps reduce the risk of colon cancer by a whopping 45%. Read more about this interesting subject over at Food and Wine.
6. May help slow the spread of liver cancer
Resveratrol may also aid in stopping the growth of cancerous cells in the liver, according to this article about liver health and wine in NutraIngredients.com Read all about this fascinating topic here.
7. It can help you lose weight
Yes, you read that right. It looks as if the compound piceattanol, which comes from resveratrol, could help prevent middle aged women from gaining weight, according to a Purdue study. Check out more information on this over at Post Crescent.
8. Promotes lung health
While red wine gets most of the attention in this article, this time white wine is the star. According to a 2002 University of Buffalo study, white wine may help prevent free radicals that cause damage to lung tissues. Head over to The Daily Meal to read more.
9. Cuts risk of cataracts
Wine drinkers are reportedly 32% less likely to develop cataracts than those who don’t drink wine, according to a study published in Iceland in 2003. They also compared wine drinkers to beer drinkers, and beer did not have the same effect. Check it out here.
10. Reduce your risk of H. Pylori
Red wine decreases your risk of contracting H. Pylori, a bacteria found in contaminated water that is a major cause of gastritis, ulcers and stomach cancers. Head over to Health.com to find out more about this interesting benefit.
11. Help prevent food poisoning
According to a British study, as little as half a glass of wine could help prevent food poisoning caused by germs such as salmonella which are found in contaminated foods. Check out more on this subject right here.
12. Lowers risk of stroke
The possibility of having a blood clot-related stroke drops by about half among moderate drinkers, according to an eight year study written up in a publication called Stroke. Read more about this over at Food and Wine.
13. Prevent tooth decay
Red wine hardens the enamel of your teeth, helping to prevent tooth decay. Further, the polyphenols in red wine can help prevent gum disease. Make your way over to Fit Day to read more about these fascinating claims.
14. Increase your libido
Yes, wine may even be able to protect against erectile dysfunction in the same way that red wine might may help benefit those with heart disease, according to new research. Head over to Medical Daily to read more about these interesting findings.
15. Heighten your creativity
Studies have shown that creative problem solving skills are heightened when small amounts of alcohol are consumed. But don’t go overboard – large amounts will have detrimental effects on brain function. Check out more on this subject here.
16. Decrease chances of dementia
Studies have found that those of us who drink wine in moderation are 23% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Apparently the cell stress of alcohol consumption trains cells to be able to cope with more serious stress later on. Read more here.
17. Lowers risk of heart disease
The tannins found in red wine contain procyanidins, flavenoids that are generally believed to reduce the risk of heart disease by protecting the body from oxidative damage. Check out more info here.
18. Slow the growth of breast cancer cells
It turns out that the same phenolic compounds that lower the risk of heart disease may also be able to help slow the growth of cancerous cells in breast tissue. Head over to WebMD to read more about it.
19. Suppress prostate cancer cells
Those same phenols that had a positive effect on breast cancer cells and heart disease, also seem to help suppress the development of prostate cancer. Head over here to read more.
20. Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer
It may also help you ward off cancerous cells in the ovaries, possibly thanks in part to the antioxidants and phytoestrogens. And in a recent study in Michigan, a red wine compound helped kill ovarian cancer cells in a test tube. Read more here.
21. Reduces risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Studies show that wine drinkers have 30% less of a chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes, a metabolic disorder that is caused by a variety of factors. Read about it right over here.
22. It can help prevent the common cold
Believe it or not, those who drink wine may have a better chance of fighting off the common cold than those who do not drink (provided that they are non-smokers). Head over to Medical Daily to find out more about this fascinating fact.
23. Promotes longevity
According to a Finnish study in the Journals of Gerontology, moderate drinkers of wine have a 34% lower mortality rate than those who primarily consume beer or spirits. Read all about it over at NBCnews.com.
24. Combat signs of aging
Alcohol may not make us look our best at the time of consumption, but long term moderate consumption can help combat the signs of aging, making us look younger longer. Head over here to read more about these exciting findings.
25. Promotes social interaction
Let’s face it… it’s a great way to celebrate the weekend with friends! A glass or two of vino and some laughs with friends will surely boost your mood. So let’s raise a glass and toast to the benefits of wine!
It’s interesting that you mention that drinking wine in moderation can help improve your creativity. I enjoy writing short stories in the evening for fun, so I’m thinking about buying some wine to drink while I do it. I’m going to search for a good liquor store in my area that can sell me some wine.