Wine and your health

Wine, specifically red wine, is often attributed to being beneficial for your health. Historically the antiseptic properties of alcohol, led wine to being considered a medicine, not to mention it was safer than most of the water of the day!

Studies have shown that drinking wine increases life span, and reduces the risk of heart related problems, but what part of wine gives these benefits? To answer this we need to look at what actually makes up wine. Wine is mostly water, it usually has about eight to fifteen percent alcohol, and the remaining one to five percent is made up of hundreds of chemical compounds that give it its flavour.

Alcohol in large quantities is bad news for your body, particularly your liver, but it does actually provide health benefits? Unfortunately the answer to this is still the subject of debate, and there are contradictions between studies. Alcohol is known to act as a blood thinner, which potentially reduces the risk of heart attacks. It is also known to increase blood pressure. That said alcohol can be very beneficial physiologically, reducing stress, tension and anxiety.

However, the real benefits gained from drinking wine come from the hundreds of chemical compounds it contains. These compounds include vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars that are all beneficial to your health.

At the end of the day, it comes down to enjoying all things in moderation!

Return to the Wine Guide Contents
Wine Allergies | Calories in Wine | Lead and Wine Concerns | Health Benefits of Wine