Many people have heard that red wine can give you glowing skin. Is this true? It can be, but it often depends on when you drink it. Yes, the timing of your consumption matters alongside moderation. Drinking red wine at the right time can enhance its absorption and maximize its antioxidant effects, which can support heart health, digestion, and even improve sleep quality. Conversely, consuming it at the wrong time may reduce these benefits and negatively affect your metabolism and rest. Here’s what you need to know about the health benefits of red wine.
The optimal time to drink red wine to reap its health benefits is with or right after dinner, typically between 5 pm to 7 pm, that is, early evening dinner. You can also consume it 2 hours before going to bed, but only if it is not very late at night or if it is consumed in moderation. (As per research published in the European Heart Journal in December)
Scientific studies like the one from the European Heart Journal indicate that the timings actually affect how the bioactive compounds in red wine are absorbed by the body. The timings decide how alcohol will react with your sleep and metabolism, too.
Red wine contains various antioxidants that are known to provide numerous health benefits. These benefits include supporting heart health, reducing LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, and improving arterial flexibility. According to the European Heart Journal, moderate consumption of red wine in the evening - especially when paired with a Mediterranean diet - can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve cholesterol levels. Additionally, consuming red wine in the early evening does not disrupt your nighttime metabolic processes.
Red wine has a very small amount of melatonin, which is known to support sleep-wake cycles. Moderate consumption of red wine, like say 1-2 hours before sleep, can help you relax and make you fall asleep faster and better. But if you drink red wine closer to bedtime, it can disrupt your deep REM (Rapid eye movement) sleep and might lead to early waking or disrupted sleep patterns. Hence, if you wish to drink red wine before sleeping, make sure you drink 1-2 hours before bedtime and consume only one serving.
According to the National Library of Medicine, red wine consumption in moderation helps in improving bone density, especially in postmenopausal women and older adults. The high polyphenol content in red wine helps in maintaining bone mineral density. Moderate consumption can bring positive effects on the hip and spine bones, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Compounds like silicon in red wine help in stronger bone formation. It might also help prevent age-related bone loss.
Consuming red wine in moderation may offer some benefits for brain health due to its high content of polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help protect against neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s. However, it is important to note that these cognitive benefits are typically observed with low to moderate intake. Excessive or chronic drinking can reverse these positive effects and increase the risk of dementia and brain damage.
Drinking red wine in moderation can help support the immune system in many ways. It has a rich content of polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory effects and strong antioxidants. Unlike other alcoholic drinks, which suppress the immune system, moderate consumption of wine can help in maintaining healthy levels of white blood cells that actually fight infections. These antioxidants help in protecting immune cells from oxidative damage, contributing to a balanced immune system. It can also possibly boost overall resilience against disease and infections when consumed in moderation.
If you drink red wine in moderation, it actually offers various skin health benefits. The antioxidants help in neutralizing the radicals that cause oxidative stress, which is a major reason behind skin aging. Hence, it helps in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, which leads to a healthier and more youthful complexion. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties calm your skin redness and puffiness and promote an even skin tone. It is also known to improve blood circulation, which gives the skin its natural glow. However, the benefits are dose-dependent, as excessive consumption can dehydrate the skin, increase inflammation, and accelerate aging.
According to multiple international health organisations and research, like Health Media and Houston Methodist, here is the right quantity of drinking red wine per day:
It is recommended to follow this standard quantity and also have some wine-free days every week. Regularly exceeding this amount might lead to health problems.
The pairing of dishes also depends on the type of red wine you are drinking, like light-bodied, medium-bodied, and full-bodied red wine.
Red wine does have a lot of health benefits to offer, from cardiovascular benefits to glowing skin, but at the same time, its excessive consumption can harm your health. So it's up to you and your intake that will decide if it is beneficial or not for you.
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