Is it healthy to have a glass of red wine after dinner? Here’s what experts say!
Who doesn’t want to have a glass of red wine after dinner? I certainly do. It makes me feel fancy, and I tend to treat it like a dessert. Some people say that a glass of this tasty beverage at the end of the night is an elegant way to commemorate any event or a delicious meal, and it can help us unwind from the tensions of the day.
However, opinions are mixed about this topic, so we wanted to let the experts tell us more about it. They told us that red wine is healthy for your body, and they shared with us lots of reasons why it might improve your well-being. So, is it healthy to have a glass of red wine after dinner? Pour yourself a drink (moderation always) and let’s get this party started! We assure you that there’s much to celebrate!
How often do you drink wine after dinner? Let us know in the comments below!
1. Moderation and keeping colds at bay
We know that consuming wine in large quantities is not good, but drinking a glass of red wine after dinner can give your immune system a much-needed boost. Researchers were curious about this topic, and they did a study a couple of years ago.
They discovered that consuming a reasonable amount of wine can help build antibodies against 200 viruses that cause the common cold. That is surely one of the best reasons to enjoy a drink at the end of a hard day.
2. Lower your blood sugar levels
If you have type 2 diabetes, you’re going to love this, but don’t forget that moderation is key. Did you know that drinking a glass of red wine after dinner can help you lower your blood sugar levels?
Believe it or not, researchers performed a study in 2015, and they discovered that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who drank a glass of red or white wine at dinner had lower glucose levels compared to those who had water as their beverage choice.
3. Keep your memory sharp
While it might seem hard to believe since alcohol is known for clogging one’s memory, especially when someone consumes a large amount of it, researchers discovered that drinking red wine in moderation can improve your cognitive functions.
A study that tracked more than 5,000 men and women who weren’t at a stroke risk concluded that people who drank a small quantity of red wine performed better on cognitive tests compared to their non-drinking peers. Moreover, they said that a small quantity of alcohol can actually help people protect themselves against dementia and cognitive decline.
So, the next time you want to have a glass of red wine after dinner, think about the fact that it can help your brain function better in the long run, and enjoy it!
4. Keep your heart healthy
If you want to have a glass of red wine after dinner but you’re not sure about it, here’s something that might convince you: it can improve the health of your heart. Yes, I know it might seem like the opposite, but red wine is rich in antioxidants that lead to higher levels of HDL cholesterol (the good one) and protect your heart.
Moreover, experts discovered that a glass of red wine after dinner could help thin the blood and prevent blood clots. This could also lead to decreased evidence of cardiovascular disease, as well as other problems such as peptic ulcer disease, cholelithiasis, hypertension, respiratory infections, nephrolithiasis, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and in some cases, even cancer.
Of course, it’s always better to talk to your doctor and schedule a check-up to see if red wine or any other type of wine is indeed good for your health, rather than start having a drink before each dinner. Prevention is better than treatment, and don’t forget that moderation is one of the most important things in life!
Who said that weight loss can’t be fun? Keep reading to discover what experts say!
5. Can support weight loss
We all know that too much alcohol of any kind can lead to weight gain, so it’s hard to believe that a glass of red wine after dinner can help you maintain your weight and even shed some pounds. While this drink shouldn’t be a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet, it contains resveratrol, which is a wonderful antioxidant that helps correct your insulin resistance and therefore helps you keep your weight in check.
Experts say that if you want to get all these amazing benefits of red wine, especially weight loss, you should avoid sugary wines because they’re high in calories and, of course, sugar, and make sure you have an active lifestyle.
6. Reduce the risk of depression
Oh, yes, I don’t know about you, but this is one of my favorite reasons to drink a glass of red wine after dinner: no more signs of depression. According to experts, this alcoholic beverage is known for increasing the release of serotonin and dopamine in your brain, and these chemicals are known as happy hormones.
You can get the same effects from engaging in pleasurable activities, such as hanging out with your friends, going on a vacation, receiving good news, and working out. Studies showed that people who drank moderate amounts of red wine were more likely to be happy than those who didn’t. Well, I’m not one to say things against science, so cheers!
7. Gut health
This one’s interesting, so if you think about pouring yourself a delicious glass of red wine after dinner, go ahead and do it, but make sure you don’t drink more than two glasses in a sitting. Not only can too much alcohol lead to weight gain and health issues, such as liver cirrhosis, but it can also make you feel dehydrated, give you a severe headache the next day, and probably make you vomit and feel nauseous. However, this rule applies to every type of drink, so make sure you don’t overdo it.
But let’s go back to the good facts, shall we? Experts have discovered that red wine is full of antimicrobial properties and can treat digestive diseases that might upset your stomach. If you were wondering what kinds of infections we’re talking about, doctors concluded that moderate wine consumption can reduce the risk of infection from Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that is already in your stomach, waiting to be triggered.
Do you usually drink a glass of red wine after dinner? How many glasses do you drink? Have you ever noticed any side effects from this glorious way of ending the night? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoy drinking a glass of red wine after dinner and you’re looking for a wine brand that is made with high-quality ingredients, I recommend you check out this one! I find it extremely delicious!
Did you enjoy reading this article? If you find it helpful and you want to check out something else from Golden Years Bliss, here’s something you might like: 11 Free & Frugal Activities That Are Ideal for Seniors
