Like many people at the start of the new year, I went to my internist for my annual physical exam. I wanted to make sure that I was indeed as healthy as I felt ( I am!). She went over the benefits of exercise and eating healthy (I know this, right?!?). And she asked me whether or not I smoke or drink (does any smart person really smoke cigarettes anymore?!?). Well, I don’t smoke and I am not really a drinker (except for lots of h2o!). But, I do enjoy a good glass of rose champagne for a celebration, a nice full bodied red on a winter night and a chilled glass of white during the lazy nights of summer.
There are many benefits of having a glass of wine- in moderation. Not everyone chooses to drink alcohol, but those who do are probably smart to choose red wine. Every year, the research on the health benefits of red wine piles up. But, can drinking red wine really make a difference? Wine has always been a staple in the human diet. In fact, scientists have documented red wine as far back as 5400 B.C. Here are some of the benefits:
Longevity
A compound in red wine called resveratrol has been shown to increase lifespan in animal studies.
Brain Health
Resveratrol has been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Heart Health
Red wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease thanks to the resveratrol and other anti-oxidants it contains.
Inflammation
Resveratrol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which helps overall physical health since many diseases and ailments can be attributed to inflammation.
Cholesterol
Resveratrol has been found in studies to lower LDL cholesterol, while another ingredient in red wine, saponins, also have cholesterol lowering properties.
Sleep
New research shows that red wine, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, and Merlot, contains melatonin. Melatonin regulates the body clock, so drinking a glass of red wine before bed may help you sleep. Melatonin is also an anti-oxidant, which means it also has anti-aging and cancer preventative properties.
So, enjoy your wine but like anything else in life, moderation is the key to good health!
For more information contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com