As if we needed another reason to justify drinking more wine, we’re here to let you know that the small whisper of guilt that creeps into the back of your head while polishing off a bottle of wine on a Tuesday night with your gal pals will now be silenced.

Wine connoisseurs and a handful of scientists have expressed their beliefs in this universally enjoyed beverage and its multiple benefits. It is believed that wine can have lasting effects on certain parts of our bodies, whether it be our heart, skin, or brain. Moderate consumption of wine can offer up health benefits and a nice buzz.

Live Longer!

Experts and consumers alike have claimed that wine contains a potent compound called resveratrol that protects the heart, extends lifespan and longevity, and offers anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects.

This has been taken into account when observing the so-called “French Paradox.” While observing the lifestyle, health, and diet of men and women located in France, it was shocking to see that although they are avid cigarette smokers and their diet contains mostly high-saturated fats; there are very low amounts of individuals that suffer from cardiovascular conditions. This compound, also found in peanuts, cacao beans and a variety of berries acts as protection for the body against diseases and aging.

Dr. Mathew Sajish of the Scripps Research Institute told Medical Daily, “With these findings, we have a new, fundamental mechanism for the known beneficial effects of resveratrol.”  The critical thing to remember here is moderation. We won’t judge you for polishing off that entire bottle of wine by yourself, however, to reap the full benefits, control your wine intake (if that is possible). The way we see it if a scientist or doctor is backing it up, pour us another glass!

Boost Your IQ

This incredible compound Resveratrol, found in the worlds natural gifts such as purple grapes and dark chocolate not only benefits longevity but has also been the topic of discussion in improving short-term memory. A large handful of doctors have expressed their belief in the effects of the compounds in that it imitates a restricted calorie diet, resulting in similar outcomes.

Veronica Witte, a neuroscientist at the Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin in Germany. According to Fox News, Witte told Live Science, “From a clinical point of view, our findings suggest that regular, high-level intake of resveratrol in the elderly may convey protective effects of cognitive functions, a hypothesis that now needs to be evaluated in large-scale clinical trials.”

So goodbye to drinking till you forget and start working on that short-term memory, one sip at a time.

…Breakup with Break Outs

We’ve already come to the conclusion that resveratrol is the holy-grail compound so it comes as no surprise that it can also have acne-clearing benefits. When mixed with benzoyl peroxide, which is typically used for minor-moderate acne breakouts, it can prolong the anti-bacterial effects on acne and minimize its toxicity to other skin cells.

Cheers to clear skin!

Drink Away the Blues with Red.

Many people would look at avid wine drinkers with a side eye and the assumption that they maybe drink to forget their problems and that they are causing more harm than treating. And while I can sit here and agree that I use wine as a form of relaxation and unwinding, it has helpful, positive effects on depression.

Researchers found that men and women who drank 2-7 glasses per week were less likely to fall into depression, with a consideration to external lifestyle factors. However, it is important to stress “moderation” as too much can cause more problems than it “cures”.

Kiss Your Cold Goodbye!

When someone is feeling under the weather, there is no denying that they want to snuggle up in bed, watch a good movie or two and sip on some cocoa, tea or a nice bowl of soup. While all that sounds all good and dandy, we advise you to switch out your hot chocolate for some good, old-fashioned red wine (no complaints here).  Wine contains anti-oxidants that help lower inflammation while reducing symptoms brought on by the common cold.

What important to understand is that supplement replacement of resveratrol and compounds alike will not have the same effects as drinking it would. A healthy, balanced diet can include at most two glasses of wine per-night, (however, we don’t judge here).  Receiving the benefits of resveratrol through wine drinking is actually recommended over replacement supplements of the compound.

Now, we can’t sit here and say that we have found the fountain of youth or the end-all-be-all potion, however, we can indulge in our wine without feeling guilty while reaping all the benefits it has to offer. I’d say let’s raise a glass to good health and drink to mother nature’s creations, cheers!

Photo by Kym Ellis