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Wine’s Curious Health Capabilities

Good wine comes from a very natural origin and so it’s predictable that, when imbibed in responsible levels, it would have health benefits. Science buffs across the country are well aware of this and as a result, the Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health recommend up to 5 ounces of wine a day can be beneficial to your health. Many of these benefits are related to the action of wine in relation to your heart, the level of antioxidants in your blood and happiness.

Aside from the cardiovascular and mental health benefits of drinking wine, there are a plethora of health benefits that responsible wine consumption can bring to you. The blockbuster health headlines mean they’ve taken somewhat of a back-seat. What’s more, a good few of these are of particular interest to those enjoying the Niagara area. Taking a scenic tour of the region will marry together the health benefits of clean air and nature with the biological boost of wine's natural compounds.

The impact of wine on your skin 

The dramatic landscapes of the Niagara Peninsula lend themselves to some truly eclectic weather. The amount of moisture in the air and landscape creates year-round humidity over 65%, and this is generally difficult for those with sensitive skin. According to Science Line, those with acne are prone to breakouts in humidity. This is where a regular glass of wine can help the skin; science reported in Lifehacker found that a compound in wine, resveratrol, has a greater bacteria-killing effect than even infamous acne-killer benzoyl peroxide. The thick skinned grapes that go into making a bottle of Malbec are great for this process; that thick skin tends to contain more resveratrol than other varieties.

Reducing the risk of cancer 

Billions of dollars are plunged into cancer research every year, but it remains one of the most common causes of death in Canada. In Ontario, 1 in 2 expect to be diagnosed with cancer. While a full range of treatments is clearly the most effective way to combat cancer, research by Harvard Health Watch has found that wine – and red wine in particular – are effective against breast, colon and prostate cancer. The study even found a 52% reduction in men who drink four glasses per week. Of these wines, a 1998 study published by the American Journal of Ecology and Viticulture found that Pinot Noir varieties are best. Again, the key is moderation, but the presence of complex antioxidants in the wine has been found to be beneficial.

Tackling diabetes

Diabetes is predicted to be Ontario’s next big public health concern. The World Economic Forum estimate that 6 million Ontarians will be diagnosed with the condition by 2026. One of the many cumulative measures being proposed to help the average Canadian prevent diabetes, in the state where Insulin was discovered, is through drinking red wine. Research has found that men and women who drink moderate amounts of red wine have a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, in part due to the compounds in wine that enhance insulin sensitivity. While preventing diabetes, like preventing cancer, relies on a wide range of lifestyle choices, having a responsible amount of red wine seems to be beneficial. 

Wine has always had a great reputation for its benefits on the heart and mind. However, it seems that complex chemicals within the time honoured drink can be quietly beneficial in the long run. While drinking responsibly is crucial, as is making sure your all-round lifestyle is healthy, drinking wine regularly could help to improve your vitality in the longrun.

Contribution by Jenny Holt