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This Valentine’s day, when you make a toast, try to do it with a glass of red wine, since it can actually be good for your heart!

While there have been mixed results of some studies, many doctors agree that something in red wine seems o help our heart. We all know too much of a good thing can be a problem and have detrimental effects to our health so moderation Is key. Here are the top seven ways red wine improves our health.

  • 1

    Improves Heart Health

    The antioxidants found in a glass of wine can increase your levels of high-density lipids (your “good” cholesterol) and lower your “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipids). They can protect your arteries from damage and prevent blood clots because the antioxidants enable your blood to flow easily. Wine may also increase the levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known to have protective effects on heart and blood circulation.

  • 2

    Lowers Cancer Risk

    Antioxidants have cancer-fighting abilities and red wine certainly has a lot of antioxidants. Studies have shown that is possible that wine can slow the growth of cancer cells, particularly breast and colon cancer cells. Studies have also shown that antioxidants may even suppress the growth of cancer cells on the prostate.

  • 3

    Improves Mental Health

    Red wine can reduce your risks of stroke and getting dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidants in red wine reduces the stickiness of blood platelets, helping keep blood vessels open and flexible. This helps maintain a good blood supply to the brain, therefore reducing the risk for brain and mental impairment.

  • 4

    Decreases Diabetes Risk

    Wine can improve your sensitivity to insulin, which is a great thing since insulin resistance is the most important critical factor contributing to type 2 diabetes risk. Improving sensitivity to insulin will ensure that your body utilizes  insulin properly.

  • 5

    Improves Bone Strength

    Studies have shown that people who drink a glass of wine had greater bone mineral density in the hip region of their thigh bones, than nondrinkers or heavy drinkers. Bone mineral density is the measure physicians use to determine bone strength and resilience. This can reduce the risk for bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

  • 6

    Promotes Healthy Aging

    Antioxidants soak up damaging free radicals that play a role in aging and age-related diseases. Red wine can help your skin look better and slow the effects of aging, such wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s-feet. Wine and grape derivatives can also help reduce the damaging effects of UV rays from overexposure to the sun.

  • 7

    Helps Us Live Longer

    Heart disease is the number one killer in women and men. Red wine can lower the risks of heart disease, and reduce overall mortality significantly. The combination of alcohol and grapes in wine have shown to have an effect in extending lifespan.

     

     

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