It’s been widely known for quite some time now that having a glass of red wine carries with it some very beneficial health benefits, in particular, protecting your heart. According to experts, red wine is almost as effective as aspirin at protecting your heart, and that’s because of the antioxidants that work to reduce clotting and keeping the blood vessels flexible. But, what about other health benefits? Does red wine do more than help your heart health?
As more research is done, more benefits of red wine are being discovered, making it an even more powerful option. So, what else does it help with? Let’s take a closer look.
A Healthy Choice for Gums and Teeth?
One thing that red wine isn’t exactly good for is stains. We all know what happens if you spill that glass of red wine on something light colored. With that in mind, people are usually conscious of the fact it can stain your teeth. It may be time to think of it in a different light though.
According to a story in the Trinity newspaper, red wine can actually help your oral health thanks to the polyphenols it contains. These polyphenols are able to decrease the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to gum lesions, plaque, and tooth decay. As well, studies have shown these same polyphenols can help to encourage healthy gut bacteria and protect the body from free radicals.
Bring Down Your Cholesterol
Do you suffer from high cholesterol? If so, you aren’t alone. In fact, as of 2012, nearly 37% of adults in the US suffer from high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here’s another area red wine can be beneficial, as a study conducted in Spain shows. Red wine made from Tempranillo red grapes have been found to be very high in fiber, which can decrease the amount of bad cholesterol by up to 9%.
Having a Hard Time Remembering Things?
Because everyone seems to lead a busy life nowadays, it can be hard to remember everything and keep your memory sharp. How about a glass of red wine to help out your memory? That’s right, thanks to the resveratrol found in it, you can actually give your memory a boost. Studies have shown that resveratrol is able to tone down the formation of beta-amyloid protein, which is commonly found in those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
There is also research that shows resveratrol can help to prevent damage to a person’s blood vessels and prevent blood clots.
Moderation is Key
Of course, just like with anything, moderation is key. Too much red wine can end up doing damage to your body since too much alcohol is never good. It is recommended that you drink one 5oz glass of wine per day in order to take advantage of all the health benefits.
So, the next time you reach for a beverage at dinner, or a glass of something as you relax on the sofa in the evening, you may want to make that beverage red wine.
