Is Red Wine Actually Good For You?

I think some of us all like to unwind at the end of the day. Some turn to a good show on Netflix while others turn a good glass of wine. Well I’m here to tell you that red wine is actually go for you, especially for heart health!

Red wine in moderation is said to have healthy heart benefits. Drinking one 4 oz serving of wine (women) and one to two 4 oz servings of wine (men) daily, can prevent coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the condition that leads to heart attacks and it is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. With coronary artery disease, plaque builds up in the arteries of the heart and in turn, the arteries become narrowed which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Resveratrol is the ingredient in red wine that helps to prevent damage to blood vessels. It reduces inflammation in the heart which is what also leads to heart disease. The antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and also help to prevent clots from forming and sticking together which is what can lead to a stroke.

Red wine is also effective in lowering blood pressure which affects millions of men and women in the United States.  With high blood pressure, blood pressure is forced against the artery walls at a high level. If it’s not treated over time can actually lead to heart failure. Drinking red wine can help to increase your good (HDL) cholesterol which helps to remove plaque from your arteries which in turns lowers blood pressure.

Red wine is also a great at lowering stress. It’s something that affects us and over time can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease. Drinking red wine can reduce stress levels because it slows down activity in the nervous system, causing a calming effect on the body.  When in moderation has many great benefits for heart health.

So go ahead and crack open that bottle and enjoy a glass!