Health Benefits of WINE!
It's January, so I know many of you are focused on resolutions: You want to lose weight; you want to get healthy. Maybe you've decided to swear off alcohol in an effort to lose a few pounds. Well, what if I told you that was a mistake? What if WINE is actually GOOD for you?
I'm here with fabulous news for my fellow wine lovers in this first week of January...there are actually documented health BENEFITS of drinking wine. And not just one or two. There's actually a LIST. Let's take a look at what a moderate amount (1-2 glasses per day) of wine can do:
Probiotics in fermented foods such as wine can unlock more energy. You can workout more if you have more energy!
Resveratol, found in grape skins, can stop the maturing of fat cells. This compound helps turn icky fat into energy-burning "good" fat, which prevents obesity.
In a study by the University of Leicester, resveratol reduced the rates of bowel tumors by almost 50%, thus preventing colon cancer.
Resveratol also activates sirtuin, a protein that protects the heart from inflammation. If you drink a little wine, your risk for heart disease actually goes down.
Antioxidants in red wine increase HDL (good cholesterol) and also prevent buildup of bad cholesterol that can lead to heart attacks.
In a study of 3000 people at Columbia University, the risk of blood-clot related strokes dropped by 50% for those who regularly consume moderate amounts of wine.
Red wine also helps the brain bounce back faster after a stroke, as it protects the nerve cells from brain damage.
44 different studies also showed that wine reduces the risk of Alzheimers, as wine drinkers were 23% less likely to develop cognitive impairment.
Moderate amounts of wine can reduce the risk of depression. (I always knew wine was key to MY happiness!)
Wine reduces the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women by lowering estrogen levels and raising testosterone.
Ethanol in wine aids in glucose metabolism to control blood sugar, which can reduce sugar cravings and prevent overeating.
Wine is a sedative, so a glass before bed can help you sleep. Sleep is key for keeping off extra pounds.
And finally, the Reykjavik eye study found that wine consumption reduces the risk of developing cataracts.
So if you're focused on healthy living this January, I encourage you NOT go give up wine entirely... maybe just set limits. If you're following the Weight Watchers program as part of your resolution, you'll need to budget 4 points for each glass. So let's all toast to a happier, healthier you in 2017!
(My awesome VIAONEHOPE wines can be purchased by clicking on the link at the bottom of the screen!)
