Who does not love a glass or two of wine? But did you know that aside from being delicious and a great pair for a romantic candlelight dinner, red wine is also healthy? That is right. Many studies on red wine revealed that red wine is more than just a drink. It also packs many health benefits. Here are the 16 surprising benefits of red wine:

1. Boosts cardiovascular health

Red wine contains antioxidants that can help maintain the health of your cardiovascular system. These antioxidants help raise the levels of HDL cholesterol in the body, and the polyphenols, specifically resveratrol, it can help protect your blood vessels and protect your heart from getting inflamed.

2. Lowers cholesterol level

Aside from raising the HDL cholesterol levels in your blood, red wine, in turn, lowers your LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can cause cholesterol plaque to clog your veins as well as lower the risk of stroke and heart diseases.

3. Helps manage weight

The antioxidants and polyphenols in red wine, especially resveratrol, can help convert the bad visceral fat in the body into calorie-burning fat. It can help reduce the risk of developing obesity, which is a precursor to many other diseases and conditions.

4. Helps combat diabetes

Red wine also has the potential to combat diabetes when drank moderately. Studies that test this theory came up with viable results. However, for those people who are already taking diabetic medication, caution, and doctor’s approval is necessary.




 

5. Potential anti-cancer properties

Researches show that the resveratrol component of red wine has the potential to fight against cancer. Studies suggest that can resveratrol has the potential to terminate malignant cells and protect the healthy cells at the same time.

6. Slows down aging

Antioxidants help fight the free radicals in the body that harms the cells causing premature aging and other problems. Because wine is rich in antioxidants, it can help increase fight aging as well as extend the longevity of the cells.

7. Excellent stress reliever

Red wine is also a great stress-reliever. The aroma of red wine, partnered with its antioxidant and resveratrol component helps reduce the levels of stress in the body. However, pregnant women, though they can be under constant pressure, are not allowed to drink red wine.

8. Improves bone health

Research published in the Oxford Academic Journal examined the impact of red wine on bone and found out that the resveratrol component helps maintain bone health and increase bone density. It suggests that red wine can help improve bone strength.

9. Helps reduce the risk of cataract

Another great benefit of resveratrol is that it can help prevent the overgrowth of blood vessels in the eyes and prevent blindness. It can also lower the risk of developing cataracts and other eye conditions.

10. Keeps liver healthy

Some studies suggest that moderate consumption of wine can help improve liver health. It can help lower the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

11. Keeps brain healthy

A study by Yale School of Medicine revealed that the molecules in wine could help stimulate the brain. Red wine molecules do not have taste or flavor, but the brain perceives the sensation, making it work harder and boost brain activity. Researches also reveal that red wine can have the potential to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.

12. Improves immunity

Research suggests that one glass of red wine daily can help boost immunity. The antioxidants, antibacterial property, and other components of red wine can help strengthen your immune system and fight infections.




 

13. Improves sleep quality

Red wine, especially the grapes variety, have high melatonin content. Melatonin is the same hormone that puts you to sleep. Some studies that look into this property suggest that the melatonin in red wine is at high enough levels to induce sleep.

14. Strengthens teeth

Because of red wine’s antibacterial properties, it can help remove bacteria in the teeth that can cause damage and plaque build-up. By eliminating these bacteria, the teeth stay strong and healthy.

15. Keeps lungs healthy

Some studies suggest that red wine can promote better lung health through its anti-inflammatory properties, especially concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there is still room for more studies to prove this claim.

16. Helps treat sunburn

Aside from health benefits, red wine also has practical benefits. It can also treat and prevent sunburn. By rubbing red wine on your skin, the flavonoids in red wine help keep the skin from getting sunburnt by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygens are the primary precursors to sunburn as a result of its reaction against the UV rays of the sun.

Red wine has many more benefits, and more and more studies are continuously examining the possibilities. But the benefits that we know so far are simply amazing. Hence, the next time you drink a glass of red wine, do spare a moment to appreciate it thoroughly.