Medical Benefits of Red Wine
Red wine has been studied extensively by researchers to try to determine its benefits and risks. The findings indicate that while red wine has certain risks, it has numerous benefits as well. In this article, we’ll discuss six of the benefits of red wine.
Improved cardiovascular health
A study in 2016 suggested that red wine could reduce a person’s chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Its specific action isn't yet understood, but scientists believe that it has something to do with the way red wine affects the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is the totality of microorganisms in the human gut. They are believed to be responsible for several beneficial effects like healthy digestion.
Protecting the brain after stroke
Stroke is a condition caused by the sudden interruption of blood to a part of the brain. It often leads to irreversible damage to that part of the brain. The damage then causes loss of control of one side of the body. However, researchers believe that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, can protect the brain from stroke damage. The research showed that the compound increased the levels of certain enzymes that are known to protect nerve cells in the brain from damage.
Prevention of colon cancer
We already discussed how red wine activates the gut microbiome. A research conducted in 2015 reports that red wine can reduce the size of bowel cancer by half. Furthermore, the dosage of the wine seemed to impact the reduction of the tumor directly. Low doses caused a reduction of up to 50%, while high doses caused a reduction of 25%.
Increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to the body’s normal function. They are also believed to protect the heart against cardiovascular diseases. The major source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish. However, drinking red wine has been shown to boost the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
Prevention of breast cancer
This point might seem counterintuitive because of the influence of alcohol on the normal female body. Alcohol consumption can increase the levels of estrogen in the body, which then encourages the growth of cancer cells. However, red wine contains aromatase, which reduces estrogen and simultaneously increases testosterone. According to a study, if a woman will consume any kind of alcoholic beverage, red wine is a great option.
Preventing dementia
Dementia is a group of conditions that often manifest as an impairment in several brain functions, including memory and judgment. A team of researchers found that moderate intake of red wine can reduce the risk of developing dementia. The study found that individuals who drank red wine had lower risks of developing dementia than their counterparts. The mechanism traces back to the compound, resveratrol. It reduces the “stickiness” of blood platelets, and that keeps the vessels open ad flexible. The flexibility then promotes rich blood supply to the brain.
The bottom line
When you’re ordering wine baskets form GiftTree, you can rest assured knowing that red wine has several health benefits. It's even recommended as a part of a healthy diet.
