Wines are considered as valuable commodities by many. Some people even consider some wines priceless mainly because of the fact that they are influenced by various factors, not just wine-making and agricultural techniques, but also factors like culture and even tradition. The vinification process alone, or the process used in making wines, is extremely methodic. The process itself includes: destemming and crushing of the fruits, adding yeast, fermentation, racking, fining, barrel-aging, and bottle aging. The production of a single kind of wine could take months or even years to complete.
Although some consider that drinking wines may be a rewarding experience, many still believe that wines are nothing but a threat to their health. Many are discouraged from drinking wines because wines are alcoholic beverages, which also implies that these drinks could cause adverse health effects as well. It is true that wines contain alcohol. However, numerous studies indicate that wines could be beneficial to ones health. As a matter of fact, it is stressed in various studies that drinking wine could impart a handful of benefits if they are being consumed in moderation.
The following are just few of the many benefits drinking wine could bring:
Cuts Stroke Risk
Wines are known to contain flavonoids and tannins. Both are antioxidant compounds that are capable of warding off diseases, more specifically cardiovascular diseases. Strokes are caused by arterial muscle growth due to fatty deposits in the arteries. In turn, wines are believed to reduce stroke risks because the moderate intake of wine on a regular basis reduces arterial muscle growth.
Fewer Kidney Stones
In a recent study, kidney stones are less present in people who drink wine in moderation as compared to those who abstain from drinking wine and those who drink too much wine. Increasing fluid intake is known to reduce the formation of kidney stones. Thus, people are encouraged to drink liquids such as teas, fruit juices, coffee, and water regularly. Among these liquids, wine is considered to be the most effective as it could reduce the risk of kidney stone formation by 60%.
Protects Against Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition wherein fatty deposits cause gradual arterial muscle growth. This condition could eventually lead to cardiovascular diseases and even stroke. According to various studies, wine can decrease arterial muscle growth by 20%. It is recommended to drink wine during mealtime as to lessen the development of the smooth muscle cells in the arteries.
Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Wine consists of numerous phenolic compounds that are capable of mitigating the risks often brought by fatty foods. It is presumed that the phenolic compounds act even during the early digestive phase. In addition, the compounds present in wine are capable of decreasing bad cholesterol by 20%. Thus, wine could also help prevent blood clotting.
Reduced All-Cause Mortality
According to a notion commonly known as the “French Paradox”, the French adhere to the same eating habits as Americans. However, it appears that Americans are much more prone to cardiovascular disease, kidney stones, cancer, diabetes and other ailments as compared to the French. The French are considered ‘healthier’ than Americans because the French consume wine on a regular basis. Wines could present numerous health benefits. Also they also contain resveratrol, which is capable of preventing some diseases related to old age.
Lower Risk of Diabetes
Wine could also benefit those patients who have Type 2 Diabetes. The compounds present in wine help mitigate the accumulation of sugar caused by the hormone insulin. In other words, wine could help reduce insulin resistance.
Lower Dementia Risk
According to the results obtained from various studies, wine consumption could help reduce the development of dementia by 42%. It also lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease among the elderly. This is because wine promotes good blood flow to the brain. In addition, it also contains compounds that are effective neurotransmitters.
Helps Observe Mental Functioning
Regular intake of wines could help prevent blood clot. Aside from that, the compounds present in wines could also slow down the decline of mental functions due to old age. It is mainly because of the fact that the wine compounds could help maintain good blood circulation. Wine also contains acetylcholine, which is also considered a neurotransmitter that could greatly enhance learning and memory.
There is a saying that too much of anything may result to adverse health effects. This is also true for wine intake. Although wine can be good for the health, excessive intake could lead to more problematic situations later on. Experts believe that a glass of wine a day should be enough to maintain good health.