We all love a glass of wine; whether it be with friends, family, or in front of the television on a Friday night. What we don’t love is the nagging feeling that the second or third glass is causing damage to our bodies, not only in the form of a hangover the next morning but in the long term as well. Now, with various websites and doctors telling us that wine actually has positive health effects, it can be hard to separate the facts from the hearsay.
What We Know
It is a fact accepted by healthcare professionals that red wine contains both antioxidants and polyphenols, a naturally occurring group of chemicals found in plants, and in this case, grapes. Scientific studies suggest polyphenols are conducive to preventing heart problems, diabetes, and even cancer.
So, red wine, more than beer, liquor, or mixed drinks, seems to be the healthiest option when ordering a drink. Right? A popular line we’ve all heard or read online is that a glass or two of red wine a day is good for us. But what does this really mean, and how flexible can we be with it?
Debunking the Myths
While it is true that a moderate amount of wine, especially with food, has proven health benefits such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, there is a fine line between safety and danger. Scientists believe that anything more than two glasses a day actually increases the risk of heart disease, as well as leading to problems relating to alcoholism.
Anything more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men younger than 65 can lead to complications. So, while it was a welcome daydream that swilling wine carefree could actually improve health, this myth has its restrictions which should be followed for those concerned about the effects of alcohol on their body.
But should we give up drinking altogether, or are there things we can do to take advantage of the benefits of antioxidants in wine?
The Next Step
While exercising and eating well are sure to improve our health more than a glass of wine, there are things we can do to still enjoy a drink responsibly without damaging our body.
The antioxidants in wine are what we want, while the sulfites are what can cause morning after headaches, stomach aches and skin issues. Products such as StiQit, which removes harmful sulfites, will not only diminish the next day’s headache but will ensure that your glass of wine contains the best parts.
So, while a glass of wine with dinner won’t hurt us and will even assist in decreasing the risk of certain diseases, we still need to be careful when we drink. With a healthy diet, exercise, and sulfite-removal products, it’s possible to reap the health benefits wine has to offer.