Health Benefits of Wine
By: Valeria Carrano

Consuming too much alcohol can lead to serious health problems. But red wine is said to have some surprising health benefits. Some quick research finds some positive health aspects of drinking red wine. Cheers!
Studies have found countless benefits of wine on our health. It lowers cholesterol, lowers risk of heart attack, cancer and Alzheimer's Disease. It is even said to decreases belly fat! Drinking wine may reduce Ulcer causing bacteria and can lower the risk of stroke and have even have anti-aging effects.
But what's the catch? Moderation. If consumed in moderation, (one or two glasses a day) wine is beneficial for your health. Over-consumption may actually reverse many of these benefits.
The French Paradox is a great example. French culture is full of cheeses. So why are French people, in general, so healthy when a food with such a high fat content is consumed regularly in daily life? Studies have found that drinking wine in moderation can actually reverse the effects of the fats that the cheeses have on the body, preventing a heart attack or heart disease. The wine actually prevents production of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and boosts "good" cholesterol (HDL). It also can thin the blood and prevent clots. This is the phenomenon dubbed the French Paradox.
Red wine is healthier than white wine because the skins, which are left on throughout the fermentation process, are full of antioxidants, while white wine maybe less beneficial because the grapes are fermented without their skins. Fermentation with skins on the grape is another reason why red wine ages better than white. The tannins, which are imparted by fermentation with the skins, are what give wine the smell while it's in your mouth. Over a period of time, the tannins blend with the rest of the wine's characteristics and create a delicious flavor.
While many studies over the years point to the benefits of drinking wine, the jury may still be out on the exact benefits of wine. However, for now I’d like to believe they’re all true. So bottoms up!


This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer medical advice. Before changing your diet or using wine as part of your healthy routine, consult your doctor.