The Pros And Cons Of Drinking Wine

Drinking wine is probably one of the luxuries some people want to enjoy after a long day’s work. Since there have been several studies that discovered the health benefits of wine, drinking it daily seems to be practiced by other people. However, it’s also crucial to know its limitation. Not all wines are equal, and there are other points to consider as well.

Wines could reduce heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This astonishing discovery has been testified to be true by moderate drinkers, in which they typically consume one glass per day. Hence, drinking it in volumes may already be unsafe for you. Another thing to consider is the carbs in wine. Fortunately, there are types of wine that are low-carb and suitable for your overall diet. 

Before you go and start practicing a once-a-day wine-drinking routine, take a look at the pros and cons of drinking wine:

Pros:

Cancer Risk Reduction

A polyphenol found in red wine, which is called Resveratrol, may reduce the risk of cancer. However, while this claim has been lab-tested, it has not been tried in human subjects yet. Other researchers stress that some wines may not contain enough Resveratrol to reduce cancer risks effectively. 

Good For The Heart

Evidence showing that wine is good for heart health continues to increase. Ethanol, which is also a positive component in wines, offers some benefits. When they combine with the polyphenols in red wine, this may benefit the heart and circulatory system. This may also be good for people who suffer from heart disease due to narrowed blood vessels. 

Rich In Antioxidant

Wine is one of the many antioxidant-rich foods and drinks. Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing cellular damage caused by inflammation or oxidative stress. The ingestion of free radicals can negatively impact antioxidants, which then leads to oxidative stress and results in cell damage.

The grapes found in wines have high polyphenols, which are responsible for reducing oxidative stress. It has been said that red wine grapes have more antioxidant content than white ones.

Furthermore, if your body is enriched with antioxidants, you're more likely protected from any risk of disease. 

Reduces Risk Of Dementia

A study has also shown that light to moderate drinking of wine may reduce the risk of dementia. It also states the possibility of reducing cognitive decline that comes with age. However, no definite kind of alcohol is more superior and effective than the rest in producing such effect. 

Reduces Risk Of Diabetes

It was also claimed that the possibility of having type 2 diabetes may be reduced in women with moderate alcohol intake. In another research, wine is alleged to have reduced the risk of diabetes for both genders, not women alone. However, those who drank heavily and consistently had the adverse effect of an increased risk of diabetes. Hence, it's imperative to control alcohol or wine consumption for positive health benefits.

Improves Memory And Thinking Skills

You can also drink wine in moderate volumes since it may cause your cognitive function to remain sharp and healthy. Older adults who routinely drink a glass of alcohol per day, especially when served with steak, seem to have enhanced memory and thinking skills. Some people claim that drinking alcohol actually helped sharpen their memory. 

On the flip side, drinking more than four glasses of alcoholic drinks every day will impact your thinking ability later on when you reach old age.

Reduces Signs Of Aging

The antioxidants found in red wine, mainly sourced out from the Resveratrol in grapes, may help slow humans' aging process. This may be noticeable on the surface of your skin, as the antioxidants are at work to remove free radicals that cause age-related diseases. Drinking one to two glasses of red wine is a claimed prescription for women and men who aspire to look younger than their age.

Cons:

Allergies

Like any other food or beverage, some people are known to be allergic to wine. Some components found in it may trigger a reaction. These components could be yeast, sulfites, or even molds. Red wine typically causes a reaction among asthmatic people. Hence, if you have this condition or other allergies, you might want to stay away from drinking wine. 

Excessive Drinking

Another disadvantage of drinking wine is not the wine itself but the overconsumption of it. Many people are alcoholics and obsessed with drinking wine. Although there are guidelines on alcohol consumption mandated by authorities worldwide, many individuals don't follow them.

Unhealthy For Pregnant Women

Like any other alcoholic beverages, pregnant women should avoid drinking wines. This precaution is intended for those who are trying to conceive, are already pregnant, as well as breastfeeding mothers. You can wait until these phases are over before you can go back to drinking.

Can Damage The Liver

As people already know, being an alcoholic can damage the liver. It may also result in cirrhosis of the liver if left untreated. Alcohol also worsens the condition of people who are suffering from Hepatitis C.

May Worsen Gout Conditions

People who have gout issues should avoid drinking alcohol too. This also includes wine, as it can only worsen your gout symptoms.

Acidic

White wines are notably the most acidic type of wines. Even though they usually contain the same calories as red wines, they don't include the same claimed benefits of keeping the heart healthy. White wines are also not known to have antioxidants that aid in cancer prevention.

Increases Risk Of Digestive Tract Infection

Digestive tract infection, if left untreated, may turn into an ulcer. Some reports claim that moderate to high consumption of alcoholic beverages can affect your digestive system and cause other complications.

Conclusion

Depending on your body's health conditions and needs, you should be able to tell whether drinking a glass of wine daily is suitable for your health. This article has given you two sides to the coin to understand more about the advantages and disadvantages of consuming wine. Whether you want to drink wine occasionally or regularly, remember its pros and cons and obey your doctor's orders.