Health Benefits of Red Wine

Red wine has long been celebrated for its health benefits as well as its taste. While it is only recently that hard evidence has come to light about the health benefits of red wine, many have stood by their claim of red wine being a healthy beverage and of course, a delicious one as well.

Red wine is rich in antioxidants which is thought to help reduce your risk of heart attack. Certain other compounds are also thought to actively protect the heart against heart disease and may even help prevent against some types of cancer.

Resveratrol is the most important antioxidant compound in red wine. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen which not only protects against cancer but can also help to restore hormonal balance in women who have been through menopause or suffered from breast cancer.

Resveratrol found in red wine is also able to actively minimize certain cells from mutating into cancer cells and has even shown to be able to reduce the cancerous cells present in some. Resveratrol can actively trigger the break down of certain types of cancerous cells found in breast cancer and skin cancer and is also able to block the active growth of other types of existing cancer cells in the body. It can hinder the growth of tumors. Red wine may also be able to help to prevent colon cancer and even prostate cancer.

Another antioxidant found in red wine, guercetin can help to prevent lung cancer and has anti inflammatory properties. The anti inflammatory action of guercetin can help to alleviate the symptoms of COPD and similar respiratory diseases.

Red wine also helps to regulate cholesterol levels and assist in keeping blood pressure down; making red wine a good choice for those who eat diets which are high in fat.

The health benefits of red wine will be seen when drinking in moderation. More is not always better, especially with red wine. Drinking too much wine can actually cause damage to the kidneys and liver -- more than outweighing the health benefits it provides.

Researchers seem to agree that one glass a day for women and up to two glasses a day for men is enough to gain the benefits of the many health inducing properties of red wine. Studies are also being conducted now to determine whether red wine might actually slow aging too.

Besides, who doesn’t like to enjoy a glass of red wine with a fine meal or sitting in front of the fire? With all the potential health benefits that red wine has to offer, a glass a day seems like a great way to enjoy improving our health.

If only everything good for us could be so delicious… To your health!