You’ve heard the rumors before – wine is good for you. But is this really true? New scientific research proves it is. Below we list some of our favorite benefits of the beverage of our ancestors.
Promotes longevity. When compared to drinkers of beer and liquor, wine drinkers have a significantly lower mortality rate of about 30%.
Promotes heart health. Those who indulge moderately and suffer from high blood pressure are significantly less likely to suffer a heart attack than their nondrinking counterparts. Additionally, wine contains procyanidins which protect the heart from disease.
Reduces risk of Type II diabetes. Wine drinkers have a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes than their nondrinking counterparts.
Reduces risk of stroke. Moderate drinkers have a 50% less chance of stroke than nondrinkers. The risk of suffering a blood-clot is reduced significantly.
Reduces risk of colon cancer. Red wine in particular has been shown to cut the risk of colon cancer by almost half.
Promotes brain health. As we age, decline in brain function is inevitable. But studies have shown that brain function declines faster in those who don’t indulge in a drink than those who do.
Reduces risk of cataracts. Those who drink wine are less likely to develop cataracts than other drinkers, and both groups are significantly less likely than nondrinkers.
If you are considering drinking wine to improve your health benefits, make sure you stick to 1-2 glasses at a time. The key to these health benefits is wine in moderation.
The science behind why wine has so many health benefits is not yet fully understood. Researchers are continuing their studies to try and discover the why behind the wine.
Tag Archives: nutrition
Health benefits of coffee
Do you enjoy your coffee? If so, you may be reaping some health benefits you’re unaware of.
The coffee bean has been around for centuries. And there’s good reason. Throughout the history of the world, coffee has been enjoyed by various cultures for various reasons. The most popular being the belief it had healing powers and the valued energy-boost to complete hard tasks.
Modern coffee drinkers enjoy it for the taste, the effects, the social aspects, and of course for the wake-up effects. Lots of research has been done on coffee. Focuses of research has been confirming long-held beliefs about coffee and finding any additional benefits or harms.
PROS
The caffeine boost helps you feel awake and energized, helping you get through your activities.
It’s good for the digestive system. Coffee helps move things alone keeping your tummy happy and healthy.
It boosts the metabolism. Caffeine is not only an appetite suppressor but a metabolism booster as well. Many individuals with health goals or weight loss goals incorporate coffee into their eating plan.
It’s a healthy alternative to alcohol. In our society, friends gather around food, alcohol, and coffee. Alcohol comes with high sugar and calories, and is often paired with carbohydrates. Coffee is a calorie-free alternative that is healthier and safer on the body.
CONS
It can raise your pulse. Any intake of caffeine can raise your pulse. Keep this in mind if you’re prone to a rapid heartbeat.
Coffee can keep you from sleeping. Too much caffeine can mean little-no sleep. Make sure to not consume any caffeine within 8 hours of sleep.
Carry a little extra weight around the hips and thighs? This study says that may be a good thing.
Individuals who are in a normal weight range and have extra weight around their hips and thighs may be healthier than their leaner counterparts. New research published in the Journal of Cell Metabolism has shown that just because you’re lean doesn’t mean you’re healthy.
A recent study compared those in a normal weight range with extra weight around their hips and thighs to those with a normal weight range but who carry extra weight on other areas of their body as well as to those considered ‘lean.’
The study found that those with extra fat around their hips and thighs were at a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes compared to those in the other two groups.
The researchers believe this is due to the way in which individuals carry excess fat. Excess fat around the midsection has long been known to be the most dangerous area to store fat. It is linked to higher risk of obesity-related illnesses as well as other diseases.
Although these lean individuals who are storing excess fat in the midsection are considered in a healthy BMI (body mass index) range, they are not in healthy metabolic range.
These individuals are considered ‘metabolically unhealthy’ and are at a higher risk of early death. In fact, they are 300% more likely to develop heart problems and early death. Obese individuals are only at a 25% higher risk comparatively.
The take home:
Just because an individual is lean, does NOT mean they’re healthy. As this study shows, lean individuals are at a considerably higher risk for disease and death.
Make your health a priority despite your body composition. When it comes to overall health, its what’s on the inside that counts. Prioritize a healthy diet and physical activity.
Are vitamins and supplements actually effective?
Vitamin and supplement sales are one of the most profitable areas in the health industry.
These vitamins and supplements claim to close nutritional gaps, boost energy, promote weight loss, improve sleep, improve skin, improve hair, the list goes on! But do they actually follow through when it comes to these claims?
Doctors advise that while vitamins and supplements can be beneficial when it comes to meeting minor nutrient deficiencies or gaps, they shouldn’t take the place of real, whole food in a healthy diet.
A simple blood test will tell you what nutrients you may be lacking in. Many individuals have below the recommended amount of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 in their systems. Good natural sources of these vitamins are milk, green veggies, fruit, beans, fish, eggs, meat, and poultry. If you find you’re still low in a specific nutrient, vitamins may help you reach your goal.
Experts recommend taking a vitamin for exactly the nutrient you need as opposed to a broad spectrum multivitamin. Over the years, research has shown that multivitamins are less effective than their specific vitamin counterparts. This may be because of the concentrated amounts of nutrients within them. A multivitamin has low doses of many vitamins, while a specific vitamin, like b12 for example, has mostly, if not all b12 in it. This concentrated vitamin allows your body to absorb more of the nutrient you need.
If you’re looking towards vitamins and supplements to help you reach a certain goal, such as weight loss, hair growth, or improved sleep, remember that the best approach to health and wellness is a comprehensive one. A healthy diet and good habits, such as exercise, will help you in reaching your goals. If you find that behavior changes and supplementation aren’t cutting it, you may need to try another approach. Prescription medications are much stronger and more effective that vitamins and supplements. Regardless, vitamins and supplements are a great place to start in helping you reach your goals, especially if you aren’t quire ready for the prescription route. You should meet with your doctor to discuss all of your options.
