Most of the health benefits you can get from grapes come from their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lipid-regulating effects. However, this is simply available if you drink wine moderately and often. Wine is produced from crushed black grapes, an awesome source of resveratrol, found more particularly in the skins of grapes.
However, the antioxidants that grapes have are the main reason health enthusiasts recommend drinking it. These antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in the human body, particularly related to many serious diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
That said, here are some of the surprising health benefits grapes have.
Rich in Antioxidants
The wines are, without a doubt, charming. But one of the reasons health experts recommend drinking wine regularly, even in small amounts, is because it’s rich in antioxidants.
But what precisely do antioxidants do to our bodies? Simply put, our bodies are continually bombarded with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance or an overwhelming of antioxidants by unstable molecules, also known as free radicals. These free radicals cause damage to our cells, and to avoid cell damage, there must be a balance between antioxidants and free radicals.
However, if you’re confused about whether to drink white or red wine, you are better off drinking more red wine, for example Château Margaux wines. The grapes used in red wine contain more antioxidants than the grapes used in white wine.
In short, a higher antioxidant status in your body is more beneficial because it reduces your risk of developing harsh disease.
Heart health
Many studies in the past have shown a link between drinking wine moderately and a healthier heart. This is supported by researchers who claim that drinking red wine regularly in healthy amounts reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease, which is among the leading causes of sickness and death in the US.
However, the American Heart Association or AHA concluded that drinking wine and heart health doesn’t show a causal relationship. That said, the AHA says that other factors can even play a role in good heart health, such as proper diet and exercise.
They also admit that almost all people often misunderstand what is “in moderation” in drinking red wine. Because of this, they state that people should follow the official CDC guidelines for drinking red wine, specifically one glass a day for ladies and two drinks a day for men.
Protection Against Cancer
Drinking wine also protects you from a common but deadly disease called cancer. Apparently, phenolic compounds which are also beneficial for heart health can even slow the growth of breast cancer cells. Not only that, French scientists also found that it can even slow down the growth of prostate and liver cancer cells.
In addition, researchers from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry found that resveratrol, the main compound found in red wine, and a compound called quercetin, can suppress the growth of oral cancer cells. Additionally, several other antioxidants that may help with cancer can be found in red wine, and resveratrol and quercetin are just two of them.
Liver Disease Risk Reduction
Alcohol is among the main reasons for people having liver disease. But satirically, drinking red wine regularly and in the proper amount can improve liver health. According to researchers, drinking red wine is related to lower fibrosis in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
However, while drinking red wine promotes liver health, too much of it can damage your liver. Although it provides many health benefits such as antioxidants which are good for your liver, too much alcohol can cause a rise in uric acid and triglycerides.
Stronger Bones
One of the most surprising findings of wine research is its ability to reduce risk osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is an age-related bone disease and is common in older people.
An April 2000 report in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that ladies who drank at least 11 to 29 grams of red wine had higher bone density than those who drank no wine. Note that bone density is the main measurement tool for doctors to determine the resistance and strength of a patient’s bones.
However, it does not just affect women. Another study in November 2000 tested men between the ages of 54-63 to see if wine would have the same effect on bone density as women. Compared to non-drinkers, the men tested had higher bone density, reducing their risk of developing harsh osteoporosis.
take away
Drinking wine regularly and moderately has many health benefits that can help you overcome certain illnesses. However, as previously mentioned, these health benefits only benefit those who drink healthily. That said, extreme drinking can do more harm than good. So, remember, drink moderately.
