Red Wine: A Healthy Pleasure

The Facts You Need to Know

One of the oldest alcoholic beverages on the planet is wine. Although heavy drinking of any alcohol brings lots of trouble to your health, recent studies suggest that a glass of red wine every day may provide you with more than just a modest relaxation.

Red Wine and Your Heart

Generally, excessive alcohol consumption is considered a risk factor for hypertension. On the other hand, there is some evidence that red wine has positive effects on blood pressure. For hypertensive individuals, two glasses of red wine taken together with the meal can lower post-meal blood pressure.

Red wine may also prevent the formation and progression of atherosclerosis or the hardening of your arteries. Atherosclerosis begins when blood vessels begin to lose their capacity to relax. Red wine contains polyphenols that helps maintain healthy blood vessels by facilitating the formation of nitric oxide which is a relaxing chemical.

Another well-known benefit of red wine is that it prevents you from having coronary heart disease. Red wine reduces production of bad cholesterol or the low density lipoprotein (LDL) and boosts good cholesterol or the high density lipoprotein (HDL).

Red Wine and Your Blood

Red wine has an anti-clotting effect. Light to moderate consumption of red wine helps lower the levels of protein fibrinogen which facilitates blood clot formation.

Red Wine and Your Brain

Recently, researchers found that moderate consumption of red wine, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon wine, may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. In studies conducted, red wine helps reduce memory deterioration in mice with Alzheimer's symptoms.

Other Healthy Secrets of Red Wine

Red wine also prevents prostate diseases, lowers the risk of lung cancer and even decreases the risk of Barrett's Esophagus which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. In addition, intake of red wine reduces the risk of formation of kidney stones.

Indeed, red wine is the logical choice for anyone. Unfortunately, for white zinfandel lovers, white wine does not have the same health benefits as a good glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. For wine lovers who are cautious about their health, the benefits of red wine are truly very good news. With all the studies about the health benefits of red wine, it is ought to be considered a healthy pleasure instead of a guilty pleasure! Without a doubt, red wine will have you raise your glass and have a toast to good health and long life!

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