10 Top Health Benefits to Drinking Red Wine

Friday, February 18 2022 1:05 PM

By Ellen Healy

It's time to grab your corkscrews… Drink Wine Day is February 18th! Although this day comes once a year, we're here to tell you that it's okay to celebrate the day whenever, as there are many health benefits to drinking red wine (in moderation, of course!)

Having alcohol in its contents, you wouldn't expect the delicious Pinor Noirs and Cabernets of the world to have many health benefits. But I'm here to tell you that a glass of red wine, and red wine in moderation, is widely recognized and doctor-approved as a way to keep yourself healthy and prevent your body from disease.

drinking Red Wine with Friends and cheering with glasses

What are the Health Benefits of Drinking Red Wine?

1. Lower Your Cholesterol

Studies have shown that drinking one glass of red wine a day can increase the "good" high-density lipoproteins or "HDL" cholesterol levels in the body, and can reduce unhealthy, low-density lipoprotein or "LDL" levels. This increase in the good and decrease in the bad can significantly affect your heart's health, reducing the risk of heart disease.

2. Prevent Blood Clots

The antioxidants found in red wine called polyphenols help keep blood vessels flexible and happy, diminishing the risk and formation of unwanted blood clots.

3. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar with Resveratrol

The natural compound found in the skin of red grapes called Resveratrol has been found to help people with diabetes regulate their blood sugar. How, you may ask? Resveratrol stimulates insulin secretion, which regulates insulin and glucose sensitivity.

4. Fights the Common Cold

There are even more reasons to love that healthy antioxidant found in your favorite reds… Resveratrol also helps your body fight viruses, as it protects cells against free radicals.

5. Helps You Manage Your Weight

That's right! In moderation, red wine can help people maintain a healthy body weight long-term, as its Resveratrol has been shown to help stop the formation and growth of new fat cells. That being said, too much of anything is not a good thing. Too much wine can lead to weight gain and other health problems… So, again, moderation is key!

6. Supports Brain Health

Looking for ways to keep the old noodle nice and sharp? Red wine has been shown to help slow the formation of beta-amyloid protein, a protein found in the brains of people who have Alzheimer's Disease.

7. Sunburn Protection

Grapes and wine both contain flavonoids, which inhibit the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells that have been exposed to the sun's harmful rays. ROS oxidizes fats and DNA, stimulating the enzymes that harm your skin cells. Wine on the beach, anyone? Yes, please!

8. Treats Acne Breakouts

Along with UV protection, Resveratrol also helps skin with its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat and prevent pimples from forming. Who knew?

9. Contains Healthful Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Red wine boosts your omega-3 fatty acid levels, found in plasma and red blood cells. Omega-3 helps keep your heart healthy and can even improve your mood!

10. Bone Health

Red wine can improve your bone density and health because of its high silicon content, which assists calcium in the body for the growth, flexibility, and maintenance of your joints and bones.

With all the incredible health benefits that come with drinking red wine, you can rest easy and sip peacefully on National Drink Wine Day!