Throughout history, different civilizations have firmly believed in the properties of wine. It has been part of social, religious and cultural events for centuries. Medieval religious orders, for example, believed monks lived longer, in part, by regularly drinking red wine. In recent years, science has indicated that this might be true. Of course, California red wine forms part of a healthy lifestyle many people envy. This includes a series of characteristics that, reportedly make red wine, in particular, a great ally for human health: Antioxidant, anticancer, analgesic . . . red wine heart health. Positive results to treat heart or cardiovascular diseases, to combat cholesterol... Its composition has even been related to the reduction of stress and anxiety, aiding mental health.

There are many functions traditionally assigned to this ancient drink. Although science has managed to disprove more than one, it has also evidenced some of the real red wine health benefits. In fact, doctors usually recommend having one glass a day, if possible, after dinner or accompanied by healthy foods such as fish, vegetables, lean meat, or whole-grain bread. Others advise consuming it often but without necessarily demanding a daily drink, rather enjoying red wine in a measured way when you have the desire. For most people, enjoying that red wine bottle in moderation is safe, but it's important to keep in mind that drinking alcohol in excess is harmful.

In short, although each specialist has their own view on the matter, the health benefits of red wine are more and more recognized by the scientific community and this topic will continue to become very interesting to follow in the long term.

What are the Health Benefits and Properties of Red Wine?

When we ask ourselves about red wine’s properties, it is very important to be critical and not let ourselves be seduced by the myths surrounding this drink. Of course, the Internet is a wonderful window onto knowledge and quality information, it makes it easy to buy wine online, but it is also a source of hoaxes and myths in all areas, including wine and its health benefits. A quick review of research over two decades shows that that particularly red wine has healing properties that can help alleviate the bad effects of some diseases and, in general, help you lead a healthier and more enjoyable life.

The potential red wine health benefits and properties include:

1. Helps prevent heart disease
2. Helps lower cholesterol
3. Increases Omega 3 levels
4. Helps prevent osteoarthritis
5. Reduces the risk of cancer
6. Slows aging
7. Protects the skin
8. Helps you lose weight
9. Strengthens cognitive abilities
10. A happier life

Experts highlight these ten benefits of the results when you buy red wine online, among others:

1. Helps prevent heart disease

The properties of red wine for the heart are some of the most studied by the scientific community and the word has spread, in part since “60 Minutes” broadcast a segment years ago on the “French Paradox” related to longevity in France despite high levels of red wine consumption. Although red wine does not serve to cure diseases as such, its high concentration of polyphenols and vitamin E do help keep the blood and blood vessels clean: something very beneficial for long-term heart health. Studies over the years have shown a positive relationship between drinking red wine in moderation and good heart health.

One recent review reported that drinking red wine is linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The authors concluded that red wine might have cardioprotective effects. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) indicates that such studies do not show cause and effect. Other factors could be a cause. For example, people who drink red wine in moderation may also lead a healthy lifestyle or consume a Mediterranean or other healthy diet. They also indicate that excess alcohol can directly damage the heart. To be safe, people may wish to remain within the official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, which define moderate drinking as:

• 1 glass of wine a day for women
• 2 glasses of wine for men
• A glass of wine is 5 ounces (oz) of 12% alcohol.

2. Red Wine Helps with “Bad” Cholesterol

Red wine is rich in polyphenols such as resveratrol: a component with a high concentration of antioxidants that prevents the formation of clots and low-density lipoproteins (LDL or 'bad cholesterol'). According to the AHA, this resveratrol, an antioxidant, can lower blood pressure and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. More than a decade ago, scientists reported that compounds in red wine called procyanidins help keep blood vessels healthy. Many people believe that alcoholic beverages relax them, and results published ten years ago indicate that non-alcoholic red wine can also lower blood pressure.

3. Red Wine Could Help Those with Osteoarthritis

A British study showed that people who drink wine in moderation are less likely to develop painful arthritis and reduce it in those who already suffer from it. An average of between five and ten glasses of red wine a week could reduce the chances of contracting rheumatoid arthritis by 50%, according to studies carried out in different parts of the world.

4. Red Wine May Increase Omega 3 levels

There’s general consensus among researchers that regular (and moderate) wine consumers have a higher concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids in their blood: an essential component in proper body functioning.

5. Consuming Red Wine May Reduce Cancer Risk

Again, many of the beneficial properties of red wine lie in its antioxidants. Among the positive health consequences, these components help reduce or delay cancer risk among a pretty broad range of cancers. Some research indicates that drinking red wine in moderation might reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, especially colon, breast, or lung. For the latter, for example, a review indicated that resveratrol has protective effects against lung cancer in both human and laboratory studies. Mechanisms include preventing cancerous cell proliferation as well as the growth of tumors, causing cancer cells to die, and slowing down metastasis. Take note, however: the National Cancer Institute says strong evidence exists that drinking alcohol can also cause certain types of cancer, especially heavy drinking over time.

6. Slows down aging

Aging is something inevitable. However, it is possible to delay or slow down the process if you lead a healthy lifestyle and regularly consume components related to longevity, for example, resveratrol: an element concentrated in the skin of red grapes. Drinking red wine in moderation can reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, as discussed above, and is also said to help people live longer. A famous study more than 20 years ago reported that middle aged men who drank approximately five drinks per day have longer life expectancies than heavy and occasional drinkers. That said, this is possibly due to biasing factors such as diet, as discussed in a 2018 review. For example, red wine is a common addition to the Mediterranean diet, an eating pattern that has an established relationship with a good health and long life.

7. Wine and Diabetes

A 2015 study showed that having a glass of red wine with dinner modestly decreases cardiometabolic risk in people with type 2 diabetes and that moderate drinking of red wine is generally safe. Scientists believe that the ethanol in wine plays a key role in metabolizing glucose and that non-alcoholic ingredients in wine may also contribute. They indicated that more research is required to confirm these findings, but just this year a study of well over 300,000 current drinkers suggested consuming moderate amounts of alcohol with meals, especially wine, was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This lower risk occurred only when people drank alcohol with meals, not when alcohol was consumed alone. Hao Ma, M.D., Ph.D., with the Tulane University Obesity Research Center in New Orleans said, “Previous studies have focused on how much people drink and have had mixed results. Very few studies have focused on other drinking details, such as the timing of alcohol intake.” Of course, anyone with diabetes should check with their doctor before drinking alcohol.

8. Strengthens cognitive abilities

Consuming red wine on a regular and moderate basis may help reduce the cognitive deterioration typical of age and, with it, dementias and degenerative brain diseases. According to a recent report, investigators found an increased risk of dementia in people who abstain from wine. The authors said that this could be because of the neuroprotective effects of polyphenols and other compounds in wine that can reduce inflammation and alter the lipid profile in the body.

9. Helps in losing weight

You may think this is a myth, but in recent years studies have confirmed that certain components of red wine allow the activation of a gene that hinders the formation of adipose (fat) cells. A Washington State University study said that it helps to consume two glasses of wine a day, and it doesn’t have to be a red wine bottle, white or rosé too. The large amount of antioxidants—yes, again antioxidants--contained in wine help in converting between unhealthy and healthy fat, and thus promote the burning of calories, something that greatly helps the body to maintain its balance, to lose weight, and lower the chances of obesity.

10. A happier life

A 2013 study of 5,505 people over seven years showed that those who drank between 2 and 7 glasses of wine a week had lower levels of depression. However, they also reported that heavy drinkers were at increased risk of depression.

Did you enjoy this general survey of wine’s potential health benefits? Are you ready to buy red wine? Read more about the wonderful world of wine in Bottle Barn’s wine information articles, and be sure to leave a comment!