Moderate consumption of wine could have some positive effects on health, according to scientific research.
Moderate consumption of wine could have some positive effects on health, according to scientific research.
Image: 123RF / Oleksandra Naumenko

While the national ban on alcohol sales remains in place to help ease the burden on our healthcare services, the moderate consumption of wine has been scientifically proven to have some positively glass-half-full side-effects on health.

For some time now, scientists have researched the effects, and benefits, that wine may have on individual health, and we have consolidated the findings from reputable sources. See and sip for yourself!

1. A HEALTHIER HEART

It’s long been acknowledged that red-wine tannins contain procyanidins, which protect against heart disease. More recent research has also linked moderate alcohol consumption (including white wine) to a lower risk of heart failure and improved blood pressure. Apparently, the plant-antioxidant compounds called flavanoids that are present in the skins of grapes are very good for our hearts. One Harvard study found that moderate drinkers suffering from high blood pressure were 30% less likely to suffer from a heart attack than non-drinkers.

2. A SHARPER MIND

Moderate drinkers are also at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. The flavanols in wine protect the body’s cells which support healthy blood vessels — a key physiological benefit that can improve blood flow to the brain and prevent harmful plaque from developing. Another study indicated that resveratrol (an antioxidant found in red wine) may be helpful in treating neurological diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia.

3. A LONGER LIFE

Long-term population studies have linked the moderate drinking of alcohol to longer life. In fact, according to a Finnish study of 2,468 men over 29 years, wine drinkers have a 34% lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers! In fact, Jeanne Calment (the French supercentenarian who lived until 122) ascribed her longevity and relatively youthful appearance to olive oil, lots of chocolate, and a little port wine every day!

4. FEWER HEALTH RISKS

While vino will set you back about 120 to 150 calories per glass, moderate alcohol drinkers are less likely to be obese and 30% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. The possibility of suffering a blood-clot-related stroke can also drop by up to 50% in people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol, according to a Columbia University study.

5. A HAPPIER OUTLOOK

Of course, a glass of wine can be relaxing and alleviate some stress, but it may have even more noteworthy effects. One large study found that moderate wine consumption (in the range of two to seven drinks a week) was significantly associated with lower rates of depression, while heavy drinkers seem to be at a higher risk. Scientists in Italy also discovered that certain varieties of grapes used to make red wines contain high levels of the sleep hormone melatonin. This could explain why moderate wine consumption can induce sleepiness.

Of course, we’re not doctors, and we’re not advocating excessive alcohol intake. However, in moderation, wine is not only not bad for your health, but it can, in fact, give it a boost. And while we sadly can’t turn water into wine for you, we can’t wait to be able to turn your orders into actual deliveries, just as soon as the national ban is lifted.

Special thanks to these two source articles for much of the information above:

 Wade Bales is the Founder of Wade Bales Wine Co. 

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