Due to its alcohol content, wine is often shunned as luxury in a healthy diet, a once-in-awhile enjoyment. However, next time you sip, you should do so with the added knowledge that red wine is a superfood in its own right!

Red wine is beneficial for people who have high cholesterol. In one study, those who consumed a grape supplement found in red wine witnessed a 9-percent decrease in their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Those with high cholesterol levels experienced an even bigger drop — 12 percent. Looks like the grapes in wine are not diluted by the alcohol after all and still bear incredible benefits. The antioxidants in red wine, which are called polyphenols, contribute to a healthy heart and can prevent heart disease.

The polyphenols in red wine also bear anti-inflammatory properties, which can positively contribute to the prevention of a slew of diseases. Polyphenols may also lower the sex hormone levels and protect against breast cancer.

The benefits of red wine are also due to the compound resveratrol, which is found in the skin of wine grapes. Resveratrol has anti-diabetic effects. Studies have shown that resveratrol reduced blood glucose in animals with hyperglycemia, which may be due to the improved transport of glucose between cells.

Resveratrol has also been linked to having neuro-protective properties and may be especially helpful to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s or simply what to boost brain health. Researchers also suggest drinking one glass of red wine 3-4 times per week can starve young cancer cells, which means that red wine may play a big role in the prevention of cancer.

The benefits of red wine are plenty. Cheers to that!

Image Credit: Desegura89

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