5 Ways Wine Is Good For Your Waistline and Your Happiness

I love the month of May for several reasons. Vacation time is just around the corner, there is a long weekend to look forward to, I’m just a few days away from my birthday and the month also plays host to National Wine Day and we all get to celebrate! *Hint: See how in the video below.*

Not that any of us needs an excuse to celebrate our love for wine by popping a few extra bottles of vino in honour of May 25th, National Wine Day. Still, the date gave me good reason to scout the internet to find out the top 5 wellness benefits of wine that will convince you to have just a tad bit more.

1. Your heart will thank you.

A glass of red wine (5 ounces) a day has long been praised as good for your ticker. But newer research has also linked moderate alcohol consumption to a lowered risk of heart failure and improved blood pressure. That’s due to the plant-antioxidant compounds called flavonoids present in the skins of grapes used to make wine.

2. It Helps The Brain Too.

The flavanols in wine protect your body’s cells that support healthy blood vessels — a key physiological benefit that can improve blood flow to the brain and prevent harmful plaque from developing.

3. You’ll live a little longer.

Blame it on the relaxation effects of imbibing. Long-term population studies have linked moderate alcohol drinking to longer life! Plus, people who drink in moderation tend to have other healthy behaviors (think: diets packed with plant-based foods and low in saturated fats or regular exercise). So pair your glass with a healthy meal — and hit the gym tomorrow.

4. It’ll benefit your waistline.

While vino will set you back about 120 to 150 calories per 5-ounce glass, moderate alcohol drinkers are less likely to be obese (or suffer from obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes) those who don’t. When you’re planning to relax with a glass, remember: Wine, like any healthy food, can still add up quickly, so pour into a measuring cup first if you’re counting calories.

5. It Will Help You Get Out Of Your Funk.

Research has linked moderate alcohol intake to a better mood (and you thought that was just hearsay!) A 2014 study showed that people who had a glass of wine in an unpleasant environment experienced the same level of mood improvement as people who teetotaled in a more pleasant environment. So next time you’re in a funk, drink up.

(Tips: Good Housekeeping; video inspiration: MuseUnifrom)