Drinking wine is very common. Surveys show that over 50% of us enjoy a glass of wine from time to time, and many people drink it far more often. Wine is the kind of drink that can be indulged in alone after a hard day, with a date or friend over a meal, or at other social gatherings. We’re as likely to drink wine at home as we are when we are out, which isn’t always true of alcohol, and wine is a popular choice at special events like dinner parties and weddings.
But is drinking wine a healthy habit? We all know the dangers of drinking too much, but the occasional drink isn’t the same. You may have heard a little about some of the health benefits of red wine especially, and even the suggestion that drinking wine is partly responsible for the longer lifespans and lower occurrences of things like heart disease in Mediterranean countries. But healthy habits are about far more than the physical effects they have on our bodies. Wine can also be great for your mental health.
Red Wine Has Health Properties
There’s a really interesting article we found that looks at the health benefits of wine – as discovered by scientists and researchers from Harvard Medical School. The evidence suggests that the resveratrol present in red wine can affect the body’s production of SIR1. This means that red wine could have anti-aging properties, as well as positive effects of diabetes and obesity! The article digs deeper into the science, but it’s certainly looking good. Drinking red wine in moderation is also thought to reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative damage in the body, and prevent heart disease and cancer.
Drinking Wine Can be Very Social
Socializing is exceptionally important for our mental health. Sitting around with friends, chatting, venting, and talking through our problems is so beneficial. But if we’ve been isolated for a while, even as something as small as saying hello to the person that serves us at the bar is a boost. Wine reduces inhibitions, and makes you more likely to confide in your friends, and to share your opinions. Even one glass in a social setting, while not enough to get you drunk, will help you to get in the mood to talk. So, investing in a collection from an online wine store like Underground Cellar can be a great decision for when you have friends over.
Wine Can Reduce Stress
Stress is a big cause of mental and physical health problems. Unfortunately, though, stress is a big part of modern life. Research shows that over 60% of us feel stressed out at least some of the time. Drinking wine isn’t a miracle cure and drinking too much will certainly make things worse. But, in moderation, a glass of wine can help you to relax and reduce your stress levels.
Drinking Wine Could Help You to Sleep
In turn, being more relaxed and less stressed out can mean that you find it easier to fall asleep, and to stay asleep all night long. Sleeping well can boost your immune system, ease your stress, reduce inflammation, boost focus and concentration, and help you to maintain a healthy weight.
Drinking wine in moderation can certainly be a healthy habit with benefits for both your physical and mental health as well as your mood. Just make sure that you know your limits.
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