Red wine benefits your skin, sleep and longevity

Since the discovery of the Mediterranean diet, it’s been understood that there are health benefits from red wine. In fact, enjoying this drink in moderation can provide a boost to your heart, skin, hair, sleep and even your longevity!

How red wine is made

Red wine is produced from dark-colored grapes, which are crushed and then left in vats to ferment. This fermentation process creates natural sugars, giving the wine its taste. The wine is fermented for anywhere from four months to four years.

At that point, some red wines go through a process called “fining,” used to create clear wine. Then, wine additives are added to the pulp, and attach to proteins. Finally, the wine is filtered so that the proteins are left behind.

Skin benefits

Because red wine is created with the entire grape – seed, skin and all – in the process, it holds polyphenols. White wine does not contain these powerful antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative damage. This is also why red wine can have a beneficial effect on wrinkles.

Red wine has other antioxidants that benefit your skin, such as flavonoids, resveratrol and tannins. They help to restore collagen and the skin’s elastic fibers, plumping and tightening your dermis. The flavonoids in red wine also contribute to protecting the skin from sun damage – like a sunscreen from within.  

Hair benefits

You can use red wine as a final rinse in your hair, after shampooing and conditioning, to improve your hair’s shine and luster. Resveratrol – one of the antioxidants in red wine – can also prevent hair loss. Resveratrol controls inflammation and cell death to prevent your hair from falling out and inciting new hair growth.

By increasing the blood circulation in your scalp and strengthening the blood vessels, red wine can reduce flakiness and itchy scalp too.

Stronger bones and teeth

Research indicates that people who drink a glass of red wine regularly have greater bone density, reducing their risk of osteoporosis. Moderation counts – the study shows that more two servings of wine per day can be harmful to your health.

The resveratrol in red wine also stimulates the formation or mineralization of bone, which increases the strength of your bones and teeth. And resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties can prevent bone loss and stimulate healthy gums.

Even though, you may be concerned about red wine staining your teeth, the grape extract removes some bacteria, helping reduce cavities and bad breath.

Better sleep

Melatonin is a naturally occurring substance in our body, activated by a change from light to darkness in our environment. Melatonin is the reason we feel tired, and having the right amount of it ensures we get a deep, restful sleep. Red wine contains melatonin and, consumed in moderation before bedtime, this beverage can assist in a healthy body-clock and restorative night’s sleep.

Heart health

One of the more researched aspects of red wine and health is its relationship to the heart. The wine’s antioxidants help to prevent the buildup of fat in the arteries. This keeps bad cholesterol and inflammation low, and prevents heart attacks and strokes. The antioxidants in red wine also increase the levels of good cholesterol – high-density lipoprotein (HDL.)

The polyphenols in red wine protect the linings of the blood vessels in your heart. Resveratrol can also activate a protein called sirtuin 1, which protects the heart from inflammation.

A study published in Clinics shows that red wine also dilates the arteries, which keeps the blood flowing healthily. Many studies note that, based on body composition, one glass of red wine seems to provide the best heart benefits for women, with two glasses maximum for men.

Helps fight diabetes

The American Diabetes Association indicates that red wine assists in relieving oxidative stress – or damage to cells – which higher levels of blood sugars can cause. White wine has been shown to inhibit the body’s intake of glucose to a small degree, but red wine demonstrates more dramatic benefits.

Researchers suspect that red wine may have such a positive effect on blood sugar levels because it contains 10 times more polyphenolics than white wine. In fact, people who consumed red wine three to four times a week were 30 percent less likely to develop diabetes than those who drank less than once a week.

Tannic acid, one of the non-alcoholic compounds in red wine, can also aid in diabetes treatment by reducing glucose levels and preventing the formation of “dark fat.” Dark fat is the type of fat that tends to build up in the abdominal cavity and cause disease.

Increases Longevity

We all want to live longer, happier, healthier lives. Research indicates that red wine can help us do just that. Regular consumption of red wine improves mortality rates in addition to overall physical and mental health. Studies show that regular, moderate consumption can even improve our self-esteem and positive outlook on life.  

A glass of red wine with your evening meal is now not only a delicious compliment to the food but scientifically proven to be valuable for your health. Your blood sugar, bones, skin, hair and heart will thank you for including a delicious serving as part of your regular diet. Read Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum’s “Heart Book: Every Woman’s Guide to a Heart-Healthy Life” to learn even more about heart health.