Are you drinking again? It is one of the toughest questions wine lovers have to face frequently from their acquaintances. In the UK alone, over 15.2 million hectolitres of wine are released for consumption annually. Statistics also suggest that preference for wine over beer is increasing steadily. Do we need to worry? Not at all! Recent studies have proven that drinking a glass of wine from time to time has a myriad of health benefits.
So, the next time someone questions your love for wine, don’t forget to create a positive awareness of the drink from the following points:
1. It prevents and treats cardiovascular diseases
The mortality rate due to undetected cardiovascular diseases is a major concern to the health professionals. Many people are unaware of this until a fatality occurs. The human body is continually producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) also known as the free radicals. These molecules have a damaging effect on cells if their action is not counteracted. They are capable of damaging an entire organ if left to roam about in the body. Their presence in our system is unavoidable because they are as a result of oxygen use in the body.
The human body releases antioxidants to reverse the action of these radicals, but it is not enough, hence the need for supplementation. This is where the wine comes in handy. It is rich in flavonoids whose antioxidant effect is stronger and lasts to destroy and inhibit the action of ROS. A glass of wine is good for the heart.
2. It improves cognitive function
People who take wine are relaxed. The performance of the brain is affected by health disorders as well as age. Although old age may impair cognitive functions, neurotoxins also play a significant role in downgrading the health of the brain by injuring neurons. Some of these neurotoxins are produced by the body as a by-product of various processes such as metabolism. Polyphenols in the wine suppress neuroinflammation which promotes learning, memory as well as cognitive function. They improve brain homeostasis and halt the progression of age-related brain dysfunctions.
A glass of wine is enough supplementation of polyphenols that the body may need to improve general homeostasis for up to two weeks.
3. It lowers high blood pressure
Does wine have anything to do with blood pressure? Yes! We all need cholesterol (fat) in the body for the production of essential molecules in the body. But too much of anything is poisonous. Excess cholesterol in the blood causes a fat build up within the walls of the arteries. This build-up hardens and eventually narrows down these blood vessels reducing the inflow of the blood to and from the heart. This causes the heart to work overtime to get more blood flowing in the narrowed arteries. The result of this is an increase in the force of the blood pushing against the blood vessels walls and this is what is called high blood pressure or hypertension.
Wine lowers cholesterol build up in the blood vessels and increases metabolism such that excess fat is broken down into energy instead of accumulating in the arterial walls. Hence it keeps cholesterol levels in check and lowers/prevent high blood pressure.
As you can see, facts and research are on your side, go to the store and get a bottle of your favorite wine, because wine is good for you.