We don’t want you to get carried away by this headline and go telling all your friends that you can drink endless bottles of red wine and still be healthy. This isn’t what this article is all about (sorry!). But there is some truth in the statement that red wine, like dark chocolate, can help the body in some ways. It sounds like an oxymoron because we’re taught that all alcohol is bad so let’s explore the story behind the claim.
Let’s start as we unravel the enigma of “moderate” alcohol consumption (you’re welcome!). According to the wise medical minds, for ladies, it means sipping no more than one drink a day. And for the gentlemen, it’s generally the thrill of no more than two drinks a day. To put it in perspective, one drink equates to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. Those reading this with a confused face can follow the guidance on any alcoholic bottle or menu.
Alright, let’s dive back into the nitty-gritty. Red wine, the elixir made from those luscious dark grapes (mostly purple and black), packs a punch of polyphenols. These bad boys are antioxidants, shielding our bodies from harm. Picture them as the superhero squad battling those pesky free radicals that can wreak havoc on our cells and DNA. Say adios to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and even the notorious Alzheimer’s. Sip smart, friends. So there is some truth to the claim that red wine can be good for you when consumed at the recommended levels.
We have more because red wine also contains resveratrol, another antioxidant that has gained popularity in recent years. Resveratrol, the superhero in grape skins, fights inflammation and aging like a boss! It’s not just delicious, but also a heart-healthy and cancer-fighting wonder. We should note that the amount of resveratrol isn’t amazing so you shouldn’t go over the top in trying to get your fill.
We’ve been very cautious in this article and said that you should always read the labels of any alcohol you buy. Excessive drinking: a surefire way to give your liver a hard time, upset your pancreas, and invite some unwelcome health issues. Plus, it’s like rolling the dice for a chance to win the cancer lottery – breast and liver cancer, anyone? Nope. So you want to drink enough to get the benefits mentioned but not loads so that it tips the scales and becomes bad for you.
A daily glass of red wine in your routine can work wonders – perhaps not first thing in the morning. But with dinner in the evenings. Make this a fun exercise as you try different wines and find the ones that you love most. You can even learn about the different types of grapes and regions where they are grown.
Get ready to sip on some fine wine in 2024 and enjoy its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other fabulous properties. Cheers to a healthy and tasteful future.
