The world over, this carefully fermented liquid is revered as a panacea for all types of ailments of the heart, mind and body. Wine is used to bind the wounds of a broken heart, calm frayed nerves, and to ward off a cold or flu, as per Grandma’s time tested remedies. Described as ‘liquid courage’, it is even known to imbue it’s drinkers with some sense of bravado and unbridled carefree behaviour, which they otherwise would not have had. The very bible mentions the moderate use of wine as a medicinal treatment for various conditions, as it was recommended for one’s “stomach and frequent cases of sickness”.
A stroll through the alcohol aisle at your local supermarket will reveal a staggering array of choices, which comes as no surprise, as sources online reveal there are over 200 types of wine with varying flavour profiles! Popular types of wine include red, white, rosé, sparkling and fortified wine.
So what are the health benefits to your glass of preferred wine selection?
Wine: Cuts Cancer Risk
Not only is there a great variety of flavours to appeal to every taste bud and preference, there has been scientific evidence to prove that moderate consumption of wine is actually good for one’s health and general well-being. Research has shown that red wine has distinct protective benefits against inflammation and multiple types of aggressive cancers in males and females; which are inclusive but not limited to breast, colon and prostate cancer. For example, according to Harvard Men’s Health Watch, men who drink approximately four to seven glasses of red wine per week have a significantly less chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than those who don’t.
Wine: Longer Lifespan
Researchers have also observed that wine promotes a longer lifespan in moderate drinkers. This was discovered based on patterns observed in the lifespan of residents in countries where wine is consumed as a part of daily meals, in a lifestyle that encourages the eating of more plant based foods as opposed to animal proteins. It was found that the resveratrol, a protein activating compound found in wine, causes a slowdown in diseases of aging, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. It has also been found that persons who drink at least two to seven glasses of wine per week demonstrate an increase in cognitive function, lessened depression, and improved memory, thus leading to a better quality of life.
Wine: Antibacterial Benefits
Persons can take advantage of the antibacterial and antioxidant benefits of drinking red wine, which has also been found to reduce bacteria found on the teeth, inhibit the growth of acne causing bacteria, improve heart function and reduce the ‘bad’ cholesterol in our bodies. The resveratrol content in wine has also been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes and to regulate blood sugar.
Wine: A Caveat
While it has been proven that regular drinking of wine has health benefits, it is to be noted that persons ought to drink responsibly and not go overboard to the point of drunkenness. Overindulgence in wine will more than likely negate the health benefits afforded by nature’s own elixir and so moderation is encouraged.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #9, 2016 Issue.