A glass of red wine with your evening meal can provide a host of great health benefits, and it’s certainly one of the more enjoyable ways to look after yourself!
Of course it’s important to bear in mind the recommended daily allowance for alcohol is 1-2 units for women and 3-4 units for men. A standard 175ml glass of wine at 13% ABV is equal to 2.3 units, so don’t be too generous when you pour!
Here are some of the best reasons to raise a glass of wine and drink to your health;
Lowers Cholesterol:
A glass of wine a day can significantly reduce your levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL’s), that’s the bad type of cholesterol. When LDL levels are too high the excess gets deposited on the arterial walls which lead to increased blood pressure and in severe cases, heart attacks.
Protects your Heart:
Regular, responsible consumption of red wine raises high-density lipoproteins (HDL’s), that’s the good type of cholesterol. Polyphenols, the antioxidants in red wine, can help keep blood vessels flexible to reduce the likelihood of blockages that lead to heart attacks.
Improves Immunity:
Red wine in particular is high in poly-phenolic flavonoids, these are antioxidants which can help fight off common viruses such as the cold and flu. These antioxidants can also help cells in the fight against cancer-causing free radicals.
Boost Memory:
Beta-amyloid is a protein that plays a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Red wine contains significant amounts of the antioxidant resveratrol which inhibits the formation of this protein, and helps keep your memory sharp; although the consumption of too much wine may have the opposite effect!
Reduces Stress:
A glass of wine with dinner is a great way to unwind at the end of a long day. Alcohol acts as a natural sedative, helping you leave the stresses of the day behind. Again, bear in mind that just one glass is recommended as any more than this can lead to sleep disruptions.
May Improve Exercise Performance:
Research carried out by the University of Alberta has found that resveratrol may also enhance exercise and training performance. Lab experiments found that resveratrol improved physical performance, heart function and muscle strength.
So there you have it, plenty of reasons to pour a nice glass of red to go with this evening’s dinner – Sláinte!