Pros and Cons of a Glass of Wine for Your Health
By Alexis Mills
I've come across many articles and messages over media saying that a glass of wine, especially red wine, is good for your health and can even measure up to being as good as a trip to the gym. I'm sorry, but how? This seems like one of those things that is just much too good to be true. In order to determine the role wine actually plays on our health, I will walk you through the pros and cons of each side, why it's good for your health -- and why it's bad.
Pros of a Glass of Red Wine
- Reduced risk of heart disease - Although it's true that red wine can reduce your risk of heart disease -- that's the pro -- there's also a con: too much of it and it can actually do the opposite.
- Helps with aging - The antioxidants and a certain compound found in wine has the ability to help keep your skin looking youthful and glowing. Also, there are other compounds in wine that serve to protect the skin against the sun. That does not mean if you are drinking wine in the sun you don't need to put on sun screen -- that would be pushing your luck a little too much.
- Longer lifespan -There have been studies that show if you have a drink with your dinner almost every day it actually can help you live longer than if you choose not to to have a glass.
- Improved brain function - Studies have shown that moderate drinkers are less likely to show symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Cons of a Glass of Red Wine
- Disrupts your diet - The same compounds in wine that bring the pros listed above also make wine bad for your diet. It is high in calories and changes the way your metabolism works -- and it's not for the better.
- Ruins sleep - Alcohol in general disrupts your REM sleep, which is when you are getting your deepest sleep and most rest. Even though you might feel as if it helps you fall asleep easier, it is actually making you get less quality of sleep.
- Increases cancer risk - Although wine reduces your risk of heart disease, it increases your risk of cancer.
- Enhances existing conditions - If you have conditions such as depression, ADD, or other related conditions, drinking red wine -- or any other alcohol -- can make your condition worse and enhance the symptoms.
Though you definitely shouldn't drink wine for the sole purpose of it being "healthy," it doesn't hurt in moderation. Enjoying a glass or two of wine with dinner is nothing to feel guilty about -- it's all about balance.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Burnsville, Minn.