All too often, the things we most enjoy in life end up on the “bad for you” list. Some things, like cigarette smoking, are really bad for you, and will probably remain on the naughty list indefinitely. Other things, like eggs, get on the bad list after one cholesterol study, then get taken off the list when the nutrition gurus decide that they aren’t so bad after all. I am so very pleased that wine is not currently on the “bad for you” list as Andrea Beaman points out in her “Health Benefits of Wine” article (http://www.zliving.com/food/nutrition/andrea-beaman-discovers-health-benefits-of-wine-71350/ ). From personal experience I support the following claims.
“Wine consumption has anti-aging benefits thanks to its rich antioxidant content”. All I need to do is look in the mirror to see that this claim is certainly true. After the consumption of a couple of glasses of red wine, I stop by the bathroom mirror to confirm. Turn down that bright lighting, tilt my head so that my turkey neck is hidden, now smile, but not so much that my teeth look purple. Ah, yes, I see it. I am certainly looking much younger!
“Having 1-2 glasses of wine per week has been known to improve memory, boost immunity and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cancer”. My memory is good, I don’t get sick often, I don’t have osteoporosis or cancer, and my memory is good. And if 1-2 glasses of wine per week can do all of that, imagine what two glasses per day will do!
“Studies prove that wine is great for those on a weight loss plan”. Who am I kidding? I’m not getting any younger and I’m not getting any thinner. But after a few glasses of wine, who cares.
“Wine is said to be a heart-healthy drink, as it improves circulation by dilating the blood vessels and raising the levels of HDL (good cholesterol)”. Excellent news! Now I can eat more eggs.
I don’t think young healthy people can appreciate the physical benefits of wine as much as older folks. They don’t experience those age-related aches and pains that suddenly disappear after a couple of glasses of wine. But at any age we can appreciate the psychological benefits of wine drinking. Wine o’clock is a gratifying reward at the end of a productive day, an hour to share with friends and loved ones, and one of the key components to a boozy lifestyle.
Boozy Lifestyle© 