Excessive wine consumption and alcohol intake can lead to serious health issues and even death, though when consumed in moderation, wine actually has some surprising health benefits. 

In fact, renowned scientists from Harvard and other esteemed universities have explored the health benefits of wine. 

While it’s essential to restrict wine consumption, women can indulge in one (150 milliliter) glass daily, and men can enjoy two glasses. 

Here are just a few key health benefits to drinking wine in moderation.

Improve Heart Condition

The resveratrol found in wine is surprisingly beneficial for your heart’s health, and studies show that supplementing your diet with an occasional red wine might reduce cardiovascular risks. Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant that prevents clots from forming in your blood vessels and therefore reduces your risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Red wines typically have higher resveratrol, so consider opening a pinot noir or malbec for your next occasion.

Reduce Type II Diabetes Risk

Drinking wine can also reduce the risk of type II diabetes, as resveratrol can help your body absorb insulin. 

In fact, a two-year study following people on a Mediterranean diet that consumed red wine, white wine, or mineral water showed that those who consumed moderate amounts of wine showed the most significant reduction in cardiometabolic risks.

Prevent Blindness

One final benefit of resveratrol is that it can help delay blindness. Research from the Washington University School of Medicine shows that some blindness is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth, and resveratrol can both prevent and control this growth.

In fact, age-related macular degeneration, which is abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 50.

So if you find yourself needing reading glasses, don’t feel guilty having an evening glass of wine!

Prevent Memory Loss

Another surprising benefit of wine is that it can help prevent memory loss and even Alzheimer’s disease. This is because certain wine properties reduce inflammation, which helps clear your mind and drives away toxins. These toxins, such as beta amyloid and tau, can lead to more serious diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Minimize Liver Disease Risk

Alcohol is widely known for causing liver disease, though you may be surprised to learn that moderate wine consumption can reduce liver disease risk. 

In fact, a study done by the San Diego School of Medicine found that subjects that drink one glass of wine per day are only half as likely to be at risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) than those who don’t drink wine.

Fight Cancer

If you want to ward off breast cancer, a glass of wine in the evening may be just what you need. Wine helps increase testosterone levels in women and decreases estrogen levels, which is ideal for preventing breast cancer.

Enjoy an Evening Glass Guilt Free

Given the number of health benefits, it’s no surprise that studies show moderate wine drinkers tend to live longer than those that don’t drink. While all of the positive effects of wine can be quickly reversed when consumed in excess, you shouldn’t feel guilty to have one glass a few times per week. Just be sure to choose a red wine for maximum benefits!

About the Author

Jon Notarius learned about wine from a young age from his dad, Burton Notarius, the founder of the nationally-recognized store, Premier Wine & Spirits, in Buffalo. In 2002, Jon founded Prestige Wine & Spirits, which quickly became recognized as a market leader amongst wine retailers. In fact, in 2007, Prestige Wine & Spirits received one of the industry’s highest honors — the prestigious “Leaders” award from Market Watch, a trade magazine from the publishers of Wine Spectator. 

Following his father's passing in 2014, Jon returned to Premier Wine & Spirits to manage the store that Burt had founded in 1969, placing considerable emphasis on growing the store's online business, WineDeals.com. Jon’s extensive travels through many of the world’s wine regions, along with decades of tasting wines, have given him a broad palate. He lists Italy and France as his two favorite places, for both their wine and their food.