Raising a Glass: The Health Benefits of Moderate Wine Consumption

When you raise a glass of wine, you may not know that moderate wine consumption could have some distinct health benefits.

Emerging health studies are now looking at the potential health benefits of drinking wine in moderation and the types of wines that are the healthiest to enjoy alongside your evening meal.

In today’s article, we explore the potential health benefits of moderate wine consumption and explain what the science says about individual wine types.

Are There Any Health Benefits to Drinking Wine?

Before we get started, let’s first explain whether there are any specific health benefits to drinking wine alongside a healthy diet. In short, studies have shown that drinking wine in moderation does offer several health benefits related to antioxidants and cardiovascular health. However, the key thing to remember is in moderation.

Ingesting too much alcohol consistently can have the opposite impact on your physical and mental well-being, so consider this before you pour your next glass of red.

It’s important to note that the health benefits of wine consumption may vary from person to person, and individual factors should be taken into account. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding alcohol consumption and its potential impact on your health.

What Does The Science Say About Drinking Wine?

What is the exact science behind the health benefits of wine? The primary studies surround antioxidants, inflammation and wine’s impact on cardiovascular health. Let’s explore these in more detail:

 Antioxidants

It’s important to remember that the primary ingredient in wine is grapes, and as a fruit, albeit a delicious one, it offers high levels of what is known as antioxidants. Simply put, antioxidants are a compound that stops or prevents damage to your cells, primarily caused by inflammation and stress.

Sometimes, the body can experience what is known as oxidative stress, which happens when the number of antioxidants and free radicals in your body are unbalanced. This can start the process of cellular damage, which impacts everything from your energy levels to your organ health.

The grapes in your glass of wine have high levels of what is known as polyphenols. Essentially, these are a type of antioxidant that has shown to be highly beneficial to the body’s cells. A two week-study conducted by Michelle Micallef, Louise Lexis, and Paul Lewandowski showed that adults who consumed 400ml of red wine daily experienced a significant decrease in their oxidative stress levels.

Overall, this decrease in oxidative stress can impact risk levels associated with serious diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Inflammation

The impact of chronic inflammation is being widely discussed in science, with more and more studies investigating the impact of inflammation on everything from weight gain to gut health. More recently, scientists have zeroed in on a compound in wine called resveratrol that could contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Results from studies suggest that moderate wine intake daily can result in lower inflammatory markers, particularly in drinkers of red wine. However, some studies also suggest that completely abstaining from alcohol can have similar impacts, so it’s safe to say that more research is needed to conclude this particular health benefit.

One of the most important things to consider with these benefits is that they primarily apply to moderate wine consumption alongside a healthy diet. Drinking to excess or drinking alongside health problems like cardiovascular illness or high blood pressure can exacerbate symptoms, so it’s integral to consult a healthcare professional before implementing moderate alcohol consumption into your daily routine.

Are Some Wines Healthier Than Others?

When it comes to health, not all wines are equal. Due to the differences in sugar content and alcohol levels, as well as antioxidant concentration, the health benefits of white wine can vary. Here’s a guide on red and white wine health benefits in more depth:

Red Wine

Red wine, such as cabernet sauvignon, is largely healthier than white wine due to the high concentration of polyphenols. White wine has fewer heart-healthy antioxidants, meaning it could be considered less healthy.

Additionally, according to a study conducted by Healthline, red wine does contain more beneficial minerals and nutrients. For example, red wine contains around 3% of the recommended daily intake of Riboflavin, whereas white wine only contains 1%.

Similarly, red wine contains around 4% of the recommended daily allowance of Iron, and white wine only contains 2%. By assessing the nutritional information alone, moderate drinking of red wine could be considered the healthier choice.

Source: https://www.wineonline.ca/bellaretta-cabernet-sauvignon-by-cantina-tollo-2021.html

 

White Wine

White wine could be considered a healthier alternative for those looking to lose weight or maintain a calorie deficit. White wine generally contains fewer calories than red wine alternatives and could be better for staving off obesity-related illnesses.

How to Incorporate Moderate Wine Drinking into A Healthy Lifestyle

If you’re interested in implementing moderate wine consumption into a healthy lifestyle, here are our top tips:

• Find your perfect wine: The best way to start your moderate wine consumption journey is to find your perfect wine. At Wine Online, we have an incredible selection of wines from across the world, with refreshing whites perfect for pairing with a fresh salad to indulgent, tannin-rich reds for antioxidant goodness.
• Maintain a healthy diet: One of the most important things to remember alongside moderate wine consumption is maintaining a healthy diet. A healthy diet is paramount to cardiovascular health, so to reap the entire cardiovascular and inflammatory benefits of polyphenols, you’ll need to keep your diet in check with plenty of nutritious fruits, vegetables and water!
• Consult your physician: To reap all the benefits of moderate wine consumption, ensure you’re in good health. Always consult your physician before changing your diet and ensure that your cardiovascular system and blood pressure are in good condition before incorporating alcohol into your daily diet.
• Don’t drink to excess: Excessive drinking could have mental and physical health implications, so it’s imperative to ensure that you only drink the recommended units per day, which is no more than two standard drinks per day, and do not drink until you’re intoxicated.

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Explore a new world of wine when you shop at Wine Online today. We can help you find a delicious bottle of wine that you can enjoy slowly after long days at the office. From delightful wines from Argentina to home-grown delicacies, Wine Online has the wine collection to wow your guests. Shop online today.