Wine and health are connected. The healthiest people on earth, mostly the ones living around the Mediterranean Basin, are not only fit and long-lived, but they’re also happy. It comes as no surprise that people in these countries drink wine almost every day.

So, how is it that wine can boost our overall health while still keeping us happy? The answer is more straightforward than you might think. Despite what the world has made us believe, wine is healthy.

All in moderation, people. A glass of red wine a day can change your life positively, but more than that can have adverse effects. Scientific evidence has been piling up in favor of making wine part of our diets for decades. We now understand that there’s much more than alcohol in wine.

Many particles and natural chemicals in our favorite fermented beverage play active roles in our well-being and react with our bodies and our minds.

Here’s all you wanted to know about wine and health, its benefits, and everything the inky drink can do to make you feel better and happier. Pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back and relax, what you’re about to find out might change the way you look at wine and health forever.

What happens to your mind and emotions when you drink wine?

• Drinking wine makes our bodies produce dopamine, the ‘feel-good hormone.’ That alone has massive repercussions on our mental health. Feeling good is an excellent way of fighting anxiety, depression, and stress. Too much wine, though, can have the opposite effect. Alcohol is a natural depressive, so abusing alcohol can be a big downer.
• Wine also relaxes our muscles and lifts our spirits. These mood-boosting properties are ideal for relaxing after a long day and getting a good night’s sleep.
• Wine makes us more social and extroverted. According to researchers, socializing is one of the critical elements that determine how long we live. Lonely people, usually stressed and depressed, have shorter lives compared to people who spend time with their partners, friends, and families. What better way of having a deep conversation or a good laugh than with a glass of wine in hand?
• As you know, wine is much more than booze, there are complex aromas and flavors in every glass, and no wine is the same. Studies suggest that people that taste wine and focus on its bouquet and flavor profile have a better memory. Every glass of wine tasted is a sit-up for your brain!

What happens to your body when you drink wine?

Our minds can surely benefit from a glass of wine every now and then, but our bodies can too. Although wine is up to 86% water and 12% alcohol, the remaining 2% contains between 800 and 1000 different chemical compounds: nutrients, minerals, acids, and much more — some of them very healthy for you.

• Most of the tiny particles in wine, called polyphenols, are actually powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants work on our bodies by neutralizing the free radicals that float in our bloodstream. They are responsible for premature aging, many illnesses, and even cancer. You want to consume as many antioxidants as you can.
• Red wine has more antioxidants than whites, and sturdy red grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo have even more. If you had to pick one wine grape for its health benefits, that should be Uruguay’s Tannat — the red grape has massive amounts of antioxidants.
• Red wine also contains a healthy compound called resveratrol, we’re sure you’ve heard about it before. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can fight basically all modern maladies caused by chronic inflammation, and that’s a big deal.

Is there a difference between men and women when it comes to wine and health?

Both men and women can benefit from wine, but the recommended consumption is a bit different. For men, scientists recommend drinking a maximum of 2 glasses (300 ml) of red wine a day. For women, only 1 glass (150 ml), mainly because men are often heavier than women.

5 Healthy Wine Drinking Habits you Should Adopt Today

With the following habits, you’ll find no problem with making wine part of your life.

1. Drink only the recommended dose a day. 2 glasses of wine for men and one for women.
2. Never drink wine on an empty stomach, it might be too heavy for you.
3. Drink with friends and family, make it a social moment.
4. Drink wine mindfully, taste it, and explore its nuanced aromas.
5. Drink new and exciting wines, don’t stick to the same wine styles and grape varieties, be adventurous!

Now that you know what you know, go get yourself a bottle of wine and enjoy your favorite fermented drink in moderation. Wine is your friend and can help you achieve a healthier lifestyle, so don’t wait! Make wine part of your life.