A study done by the University of Barcelona scientists found that the phenols in white wine had equal, if not higher antioxidants, than those in red wine.

(Depending on the study it seems that red and white are prrrrretty good . . .  read on!)

2. BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Drinking a glass of wine daily can give your immune system a boost. Moderate alcohol consumption can ward off infections and keep your immune system in check.

However, excessive consumption can lead to negative effects that defeat the whole purpose or drinking wine for an immunity boost.

3. INCREASES BONE DENSITY.

As we get older, our bones get more brittle. You could increase your calcium intake by drinking milk, or you can sip a glass of wine.

Red wine has high levels of silicon, which is great for your bone mineral density. It increases the density and reduces the chance of osteoporosis.

4. REDUCES THE RISK OF STROKE.

Who knew? Moderate consumption of wine – and alcohol in general – can prevent blood clotting. Wine acts as a natural blood thinner.   This lower risk of blood clotting is more beneficial to females than males.

Red wine, in particular, contains phenols that act as a blood thinner in a similar regard to aspirin.  A study done by John Hopkins University Medical Center found that resveratrol found in red grape skins could protect against stroke when the grapes were turned into wine.”

Light to moderate consumption may be good in preventing a stroke, but heavy drinkers are more likely to have the opposite effect, resulting in a higher risk of heart attacks, not a lower risk.

Grape Friends by Peggy

5. REDUCES THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE.

The tannins found in red wine contain procyanidins – phenols which neutralize free radicals – that have shown to be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease.

“According to WebMD, a study by researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa tested the effects of red wine on the health of blood vessels. What they found after 21 consecutive days of consumption was that blood vessel cell health was enhanced, improving the flow of blood. This increases the health of the heart, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.”

The American Heart Association does not support drinking for non-drinkers or those at risk of alcoholism – those who already are light drinkers may continue for positive heart health.

6. CAN LOWER CHOLESTEROL.

The procyanidins in red wine that promote a healthy heart also promote lower cholesterol.

Reservatrol also decreases LDL – bad cholesterol – while increasing the HDL – good cholesterol. This also means that red wine benefits blood pressure.

7. IT REDUCES THE RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES.

If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, wine may help.  Insulin resistance contributes to type 2 diabetes risk, resveratrol has been proven to improve sensibility to insulin.

8. REDUCES THE RISK OF CANCER.

The risk of some cancers can be reduced by drinking a glass of wine. The antioxidants combat nasty free radicals that allow cancer to thrive. Red wine especially is beneficial, as the resveratrol that fights against heart disease also fights against cancerous cells.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that:

“Men who drink an average of four to seven glasses of red wine per week are only 52 percent as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as those who do not drink red wine. In addition, red wine appears particularly protective against advanced or aggressive cancers.”

If you’re looking for a red wine high in resveratrol, opt for a glass of cabernet sauvignon.

9. IMPROVES COGNITIVE FUNCTION.

Drinking a single glass has shown to improve brain function. The chemicals in red wine prevent the brain’s neurons from dying off.  As a result, it may protect the brain from dementia while slowing the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

10. PROMOTES LONGEVITY.

“Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that resveratrol, inside that glass of wine, activates a protein that acts as an anti-aging agent. The interaction increases overall health, thus promoting longevity.”