Health Benefits of Red Wine on HWN FAN COLUMN

When consumed responsibly and regularly, red wine can deliver quite a punch when it comes to health. Both scientific data and medical research support the assertion that up to a glass of wine per day can be really good for you. So consume it with moderation and get ready to reap the rewards of this powerful antioxidant.

Cancer Prevention:
Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that prevents free radicals from harming the body. This compound reportedly has rich anticancer properties that are instrumental in blocking tumor growth. In fact, scientists have proven that resveratrol reduces cancer rates for leukemia, skin, breast and prostate cancers, to name a few.

Heart Health:
There’s no doubt flavonoids are instrumental in preventing heart disease. Drinking a glass of red wine daily can help raise good cholesterol, prevent artery hardening, aid in overall blood thinning, and reduce the formation of blood clots. All this adds up to some pretty powerful prevention for coronary incident.

Reducing Inflammation:
Although the delivery of resveratrol through daily supplements hasn’t yet proven beneficial, its delivery through red wine has. As an anti-inflammatory, resveratrol prevents premature aging, oxidation and fungal infections caused by damaging factors like extreme temperatures and ultraviolet light. Scientists believe resveratrol may even eclipse vitamin E toward such good. Similarly, its anti-inflammatory power extends to block the activation of the COX-2 enzyme, a real offender toward bodily inflammation and pain. Resveratrol may even rival aspirin usage in treating relating painful diseases, like arthritis.

Brain Power:
Red wine is good for the brain. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, red wine boosts mental stamina and keeps you alert. In addition, it wards off Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Weight Control:
Red wine may even aid in maintaining a healthy weight, as it’s one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic beverages per serving. Furthermore, research cited by Cosmopolitan Magazine suggests red wine may even help you burn more calories and eat less.

Relaxation and Stress Relief:

Finally, you can’t overlook the most common benefit of enjoying red wine. It goes far toward providing a little relaxation at the end of the day. With stress being a great threat to health, alleviating a little — responsibly — can prove a great thing.

Source: Dr Oyeyemi Olusegun Adeniyi, HWN Africa.