8 Health Benefits to Drinking Wine

The health benefits come from moderate wine consumption, defined by the American Heart Association as one to two 4-ounce glasses a day.

Reduces Heart Attack Risk

Moderate drinkers suffering from high blood pressure are 30% less likely to have a heart attack than nondrinkers.

Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

Red wine tannins contain procyanidins, which protect against heart disease. Wines from Sardinia and southwest France have more procyanidins than other wines.

Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Moderate drinkers have 30% less risk than nondrinkers of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Lowers Risk of Stroke

The possibility of suffering a blood clot–related stroke drops by about 50 percent in people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol.

Cuts Risk of Cataracts

Moderate drinkers are 32% less likely to get cataracts than nondrinkers; people who drink wine are 43% less likely to develop cataracts than people who drink mainly beer.

Cuts Risk of Colon Cancer

Moderate consumption of wine (especially red) cuts the risk of colon cancer by 45%.

Slows Brain Decline

Brain function declines at a markedly faster rate in nondrinkers than in moderate drinkers.

Promotes Longevity

Wine drinkers have a 34% lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers.

 

*Source: Food and Wine.com