9 Excellent Reasons to Love Red Wine ...

Some wines come from high-fiber grapes that actually contribute significantly in lowering LDL cholesterol. This is important because bad cholesterol is responsible for the blockages in your arteries and too much of it can lead to high blood pressure and risk of heart attack! That's one of the superb reasons to love red wine if you ask me!

Remember that too much of a good thing isn't a good thing - this applies to wine and alcohol for sure! Too much of it can actually strain your heart, while having a couple of glasses a week may keep your blood vessels healthy and flexible while reducing the risk of clots. This is mainly due to the antioxidants found in red wine! So, drink up (but in moderation)!

Now, this doesn't apply to sweet red wines or wines with added sugar, but the skin on red grapes contains resveratrol which is a natural compound known to regulate blood sugar and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. So if you're a diabetic or pre-diabetic, try drinking the occasional glass of red wine!

Speaking of Resveratrol, this compound has also been shown to squelch the formation of the beta-amyloid protein which is a key component in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease. It's just as important to keep your brain healthy and fit as it is your body! Remember to continually stretch your brain by learning and challenging your mental skills on a regular basis.

The chemical compound piceatannol is what your body makes from resveratrol (this is one amazing compound!). Piceatannol actually prevents immature fat cells from maturing by blocking the necessary pathways. Who knew that an alcoholic beverage can actually contribute to weight loss?

The antioxidants in red wine (and in other foods and supplements) are known to fight infection and protect cells from cancer-causing free radicals. One study shows that those who consume more than 14 glasses of wine per year were less likely to succumb to the common cold! That's a pretty great reason for sure (as I'm currently battling a cold!)

Whether you're drinking a glass of wine with dinner or a gourmet cheese, or perhaps using it in your dinner as an ingredient, red wine has many culinary benefits. It's just another reason to love red wine because it's so versatile- be it the health benefits, social lubricant, or culinary uses!

There are so many varieties and prices of red wine that it's easy to find an option out there for you! And not only that, there are some really good red wines that are also inexpensive. Just ask around and get reviews on the best wines in every price point!

And finally, red wine is just fun to drink and enjoy with friends. It's the age-old drink that everyone can enjoy, whether young or old. There's a wine out there for everyone! It's also a common ground for people to connect with and is a fun pathway for strengthening current relationships and making new ones.

Even though most of these health benefits of red wine actually are found in other food sources, red wine is just more fun to drink! Remember that life is meant to be lived in moderation! Too much of something can lose it's charm and even be damaging. Keep that in mind when drinking and always be safe in your surroundings and responsible with your choices. Are there any favorite red wines you would love to suggest to your fellow readers?

Source: prevention.com