5 Health Benefits Of Drinking A Glass Of Wine Everyday

1. Your heart will thank you.

A glass of red wine (5 ounces) a day has long been praised as good for your ticker. But newer research has also linked moderate alcohol consumption — including white wine and other beverages — to lower risk of heart failure and improved blood pressure. That's due to the plant-antioxidant compounds called flavanoids that are present in the skins of grapes used to make wine.

2. It can sharpen your mind.

Though it seems counter-intuitive, regular alcohol drinkers are at lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. The flavanols in wine protect your body's cells which support healthy blood vessels — a key physiological benefit that can improve blood flow to the brain and prevent harmful plaque from developing.

3. You'll live a little longer.

Blame it on the relaxation effects of imbibing. Long-term population studies have linked moderate alcohol drinking to longer life! Plus, people who drink in moderation tend to have other healthy behaviors (think: diets packed with plant-based foods and low in saturated fats or regular exercise). So pair your glass with a healthy meal — and hit the gym tomorrow.

Related - Red Wine Can Aid Weight Loss, Science Says

4. It'll benefit your waistline.

While vino will set you back about 120 to 150 calories per 5-ounce glass, moderate alcohol drinkers are less likely to be obese (or suffer from obesity-related diseases, like type 2 diabetes) those who don't. When you're planning to relax with a glass, remember: Wine, like any healthy food, can still add up quickly, so pour into a measuring cup first if you're counting calories.

5. Raising a glass lifts your spirits.

Research has linked moderate alcohol intake to a better mood (and you thought that was just hearsay!) A 2014 study showed that people who had a glass of wine in an unpleasant environment experienced the same level of mood improvement as people who teetotaled in a more pleasant environment. So next time you're in a funk, drink up.

From Good Housekeeping
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