Research has shown that wine, especially red wine, offers very important health benefits.
Wine may promote a longer life span, protect against certain forms of cancer, improve mental health, and provide heart benefits.
Moderate consumption of wine is considered good for health.
All the health benefits listed below are only valid for moderate consumption (150ml/day).
A team of researchers from several universities in Spain reported in the journal BMC Medicine that wine can reduce the risk of depression. The researchers found that those who drank two to seven drinks a week were less likely to be diagnosed with depression.
Scientists from the University of Leicester, UK, found that red wine can reduce the rate of intestinal tumors by about 50%.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School reported that red wine has anti-aging properties. Specifically, resveratrol was the compound that had the beneficial effect. This compound is found in the skins of red grapes, blueberries or currants.
The anti-aging properties of wine have been discussed for over 1000 years.
A study conducted at the University of London found that procyanidins, compounds commonly found in red wine, keep blood vessels healthy and are one of the factors that contribute to extending life span. They found that traditionally made red wine has much higher levels of procyanidins than other wines.
Scientists have explained that substances in the skin and seeds of red grapes reduce estrogen levels while increasing testosterone in premenopausal women – leading to a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Wine reduces the stickiness of blood platelets, which helps keep blood vessels open and flexible. This helps maintain a good blood supply to the brain.
Red wine may protect the brain from stroke damage due to high levels of enzymes.
Dutch scientists reported a study that looked at the effects of red and white wine, concluding that it improves lung function and prevents lung cancer.
Another study concluded that wine cuts the risk of non-alcoholic liver disease in half compared to people who did not drink wine.
In an animal experiment, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that substances in red wine improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is the most important critical factor contributing to the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Moderate wine consumption reduces the risk of colon cancer by 45%, according to researchers from Stony Brook University, conducting a study of 2,291 people over a four-year period.
