Drinking red wine has its benefits and risks. Is it healthy to add this alcoholic drink to your daily diet?
The key to healthy living is moderation and discipline. A glass or two of red wine a day may improve health and well-being. Drinking more than necessary can ruin its health benefits.
Let us explore the health benefits of red wine and study its risks as well.
What is Red Wine?
Red wine comes from the fermented juice of crushed dark-colored grapes. The most common varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz.
A typical bottle of red wine contains 750ml. Its alcohol content ranges from 12-13.5%.
Moderate amounts of red wine have beneficial effects on the body. This benefit is due to its high antioxidant content. Be careful not to drink too much, though.
What are the benefits of drinking red wine?
Moderate drinking of red wine and any other alcoholic beverages may improve health. Here are some red wine benefits:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Most of the benefits of red wine come from proanthocyanidins and resveratrol, two powerful antioxidants found in grapes.
Proanthocyanidins decrease oxidative damage and help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Resveratrol, found in grape skin, can increase longevity in test animals.
2. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Moderate consumption of red wine leads to better cardiovascular health than any other alcoholic beverage.
Drinking a glass of red wine a day lowers the risk of heart disease by an average of 32% compared to non-drinkers.
Moderate drinking also improves heart health. It increases the retention of HDL cholesterol while reducing the oxidative damage of LDL cholesterol.
Also, middle-aged men may reduce the risk of stroke by drinking 1-3 glasses per day 3-4 days a week.
3. Reduces the Risk or Effects of:
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Depression
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Insulin Resistance
What are the risks of drinking red wine?
Although drinking in moderation can be beneficial, consuming too much can have devastating effects.
1. Alcoholism
Drinking too much wine can be addicting and can lead to alcohol dependence if not controlled. It can also lead to physical and mental health issues, early death, accidents, and the like.
2. Obesity
Red wine is high in calories. Too much of it can cause unwanted weight gain. It makes you hungrier, which leads to eating even more calories than what you usually need.
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3. Increased Risk of Physical and Mental Health Issues
Excessive wine drinking increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. It can also lead to premature death.
On the other side, it affects mental health. It increases the risk of depression and anxiety, impairs cognitive function, damages sleep quality, and affects mood.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Red Wine
How Much Red Wine is Enough?
If you do not drink alcohol, then perhaps it is best not to drink wine at all. However, if you love drinking wine, be sure not to exceed the recommended amount, which is 1-2 glasses of wine per day.
The standard serving for a glass of wine is five fluid ounces or 150ml. That is approximately five glasses of wine for a standard 750ml bottle. Your best bet is to drink about a third of the bottle as a maximum per day.
Some health experts suggest drinkers take at least 1-2 alcohol-free days per week as rest.
How many calories are there in a glass of red wine?
A glass of red wine, equivalent to 5 fluid ounces or 150 ml, has an average of 125 calories. Sweet red wine has more at approximately 132 calories per glass.
How many calories are there in a bottle of red wine?
A typical bottle is 750 ml in volume or five glasses. Hence, it has a total of 625 to 660 calories per bottle. The sweeter the wine, the higher the calories.
How many carbohydrates are in a glass of red wine?
Red wine has approximately 3.5-4 grams of carbs per glass. Sweeter red wines have more. If you are on a keto diet, make sure you do not drink much avoid consuming too many carbs.
What is the healthiest red wine?
Pinot noir has the highest amount of antioxidants. It is also generally low in sugar and calories. This option is the best if you are on a low-carb diet.
Is it OK to drink red wine everyday?
Yes, it is OK as long as you drink moderate amounts of red wine to gain its benefits. Moderation means 1-2 glasses of wine per day, with at least 1-2 days of alcohol-free rest per week.
As long as you do not exceed the recommended amount, you can reap the benefits of red wine and avoid its consequences.