The Health Benefits of Wine | Articles on Wine Tutorial

We all know that to accomplish our New Year's resolutions, we need to make sacrifices but wine should not be one of them.

The Health Benefits of Wine

The New Year's Resolution
We all know the holidays are a time of amazing food and family. However, after enjoying all the delectable delicassies, most of us make New Year's Resolutions to slim down, get fit and just live a healthier lifestyle overall. Unfortunately, this means sacrificing some culinary luxuries. Many people would probably cut wine out from their diet (*gasp*) thinking they are helping out with their New Year's Resolution. Not so fast! Wine should be a part of your healthy lifestyle!

What About Wine is Good For You?
The nice thing about the health benefits of wine is that all aspects of wine are good for you. Both the moderate alcohol content (compared to some other alcohols) and the non-alcoholic components of wine provide health benefits. The combined effect of both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic elements of wine are the reason that most health experts can recommend a glass or two of wine a night (joy!).

The Benefits
Numerous studies have since come out listing the benefits of enjoying a glass of wine with your dinner. Here is just a brief list of only some of the benefits:

• Reduce the risk of heart disease
• Lower the risk factors for some cancers
• Slow the progression of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's
• Raise the HDL (good) cholesterol
• Provide antioxidants

What Does the Alcohol Do?
Contrary to what some may have you believe, a moderate amount of alcohol consumption is a good thing. And in my humble opinion, wine is the best way to achieve that goal. Studies have linked the right amount of consumption (1-2 glasses) have increased good cholesterol and thinned the blood, both providing great cardiovascular benefits in a world where heart disease is a top killer.

What Does the Grape Do?
The main benefits of wine, outside of the alcohol, come from the grapes. Grapes are known to be high in beneficial phytochemicals such as flavanoid and reservatrol which act as powerful antioxidants. These natural chemicals also help combat the free radicals that are thought to contribute to cellular degeneration. Reservatrol in particular has been linked to a prevention of unhealthy blood clotting and plaque formation, further increasing the cardiovascular benefits of wine. In terms of reservatrol, red wines tend to contain the most but that shouldn't stop you from having a glass of white if you prefer.

So Drink Up!
Now that you know the health benefits of wine, don't hesitate to uncork a bottle, pour a glass and toast to your continued good health and then make good on that toast by taking a sip!