The holidays have a special meaning for me: guilt-free drinking and a special pass for all the pie and cookies I want. You can eat and drive all you want, but please drink responsibly.
So, why is wine so good for you?
Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in the skin of grapes and other plants. They are excellent antioxidants (the vitamins, minerals and enzymes in foods that protect the cells in your body from damage caused by the normal process of metabolism and ward off chronic disease.) Polyphenols are also known to lower total cholesterol and blood pressure, lessen risks of cancer, stimulate the immune system, and have anti-bacterial properties.
Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol (or antioxidant) found in red wine. A naturally occurring antioxidant, it decreases the stickiness of blood platelets and helps blood vessels remain open and flexible. Who can say no to that?
Flavonoids: Red grapes contain flavonoids, another powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives.
Reducing coronary heart diseases: Wine lowers the total cholesterol count, and raises the high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
Maintains the immune system: According to a study published by the University of Florida, red wine does not suppress the immune system like other alcoholic beverages. A study on mice (lucky mice!) has been performed to examine what immune system reactions red wine caused on mammals. The team examined mice of various drinking levels – non-drinkers, red wine drinkers, and heavy alcohol drinkers. They found that those who drank the red wine had a normal level of immunity, the same as that of the non-drinking mice.
Anti-stress: wine does have a calming influence (surprise, surprise). The fact that a dinner is accompanied by a drink which helps the body relax and unwind can help the mental transition between work and relaxation. Also, people fighting other illnesses can combat them better when calm and focused.
Anti-bacterial activity: In a study of 1800 people, scientists tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcer infections. Compared to non-drinkers, those who had one glass of wine a day had 7% fewer of these bacteria. Those who drink two glasses a day had 18%, and those who drank 3 or more glasses had 1/3 fewer bacteria.
What you don’t want to do? You don’t want to have seven glasses of red wine a day instead of seven servings of fruits and vegetables.