had less than one drink or did not drink at all. Recent research
has shown that resveratrol may help slow the onset of dementia
in those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, as well as affecting
the underlying processes that cause the disease.
SIP THE POUNDS AWAY
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not have to derail your
weight-loss plans. In a recent study, women who drank a small to
moderate amount of alcohol (approximately 1.5 to 3 drinks a
day) over a 12-year span gained less weight and were less likely
to become overweight than non-drinkers. Not only has wine been
shown to be more successful at guarding against weight gain than
beer or liquor, but it’s a much better choice than sweetened
cocktails, which can be packed with sugar and syrups.
Red and white wine have around the same amount of
calories (white wine has slightly less, 121 versus 125 per five-
ounce glass), but red wine contains less natural sugar (0.9g as
compared to 1.4g in white) and greater amounts of iron,
magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, choline, lutein, and
zeaxanthin.
HOW MUCH TO DRINK
Despite the promising nature of the beneficial effects of wine on
health, these benefits only apply to moderate levels of
consumption. The amount of wine suggested as a “moderate”
amount varies somewhat depending on the organization or
individual making the suggestion. Additionally the healthy
consumption level is linked to age, body mass, gender, and
genetics, as well as whether or not food or other drugs have been
consumed.
PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES(E+)
A RICH SOURCE OF NUTRIENTS
Early research in polyphenols, a type of micronutrient present in
wine, have shown promising results against diabetes, arthritis,
osteoporosis, cancer, and stroke, as well as anti-aging benefits
that can help to combat some of the effects of an unhealthy
lifestyle. Perhaps the most well-known among the polyphenols in
wine is resveratrol, which comes from the seeds and skins of
grapes. According to Harvard Medical School biologist David
Sinclair, resveratrol activates enzymes that are part of vital
processes such as circadian rhythm and DNA repair, protecting
against aging. For the biggest polyphenol punch, choose a red
wine, which is fermented together with grape skins and therefore
contains higher amounts of resveratrol than white wine.
HEART HEALTHY
Various studies have shown moderate alcohol consumption
dilates arteries and increases blood flow, reducing the formation
of blood clots and the risk of heart disease. Not only that, but
drinking wine increases the amount of high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol, or the “good” cholesterol, while helping to
prevent artery damage caused by high levels of low-density
lipoprotein (LDL), or the “bad” cholesterol. The Institute for
Research in Extramural Medicine found that 275 men and
women who imbibed the equivalent of a glass or two of wine
each day had higher levels of HDL and lower levels of LDL.
GIVE YOUR BRAIN A BOOST
Drinking wine can also help protect your memory. Women in
their 70s who consumed one or more drink a day received
considerably higher scores on memory quizzes than those who
“W
ine is fit for man in a wonderful way, providing
it is taken with good sense by the sick as well as
the healthy.” These words, spoken by Ancient
Greek physician Hippocrates (the “Father of Western Medicine”)
still ring true today. Records from ancient Sumeria and Egypt
dating back to 2200BC contained recipes for wine-based
medicines. Historically wine was administered as a form of
medicine, recommended for lethargy and diarrhea, as well as
being used as an antiseptic for wounds and a base for other
medicines to be mixed into for easier consumption. We look at
some of the many health benefits to be gained from imbibing.
Drinking wine can also help
protect your memory.
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