Feeling guilty about sneaking in some wine each day? Scared of what your close friends might think? Worried about the effect it may have on your health? According to some studies, It may actually be making it better. According to health and medical experts; if taken in moderation, there are many benefits red wine can bring to your health. First of all, Red Wine raises the levels of HDL-cholesterol, the good cholesterol. It also works as a blood thinner, which reduces your risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart attack.

Phytochemicals, such as flavanoids and resveratrol in wine become antioxidants which when absorbed by the body, fights against free radicals from causing cellular damage. You can get the same basic effect when drinking other alcoholic beverages, but red wine is the most beneficial. Resveratrol is the compound that makes red wine stand out from white wine, which contains a considerably lower amount. Resveratrol prevents blood from clotting and the build up of plaque in arteries. Resveratrol is also the compound that prevents the development of heart disease by creating anti-thrombotic agents.

Studies on animals have shown consuming it slows the growth of tumors and the progression of cancer. Resveratrol has also become the topic in many other studies concerning life extension. Before you get too excited, wine and other alcoholic beverages do have their downsides. Alcohol increases the levels of triglyceride significantly, which can push borderline diabetics over the edge. Furthermore, it accelerates the production of estrogen in women, which promotes tumor development in those with or at risk for breast cancer. It is recommended to consult with a physician or dietician concerning your triglyceride count before adding red wine regularly to your diet.

Red wine especially, but not exclusively, can trigger migraine headaches more often in people whom experience them. If you are susceptible to migraines, you may be better off drinking small amounts of white wine, which has similar benefits, but consult with your physician first. For the calorie-conscious, wine has a high amount of “empty calories.” A bottle of wine has the same caloric value as 2 large bottles of soda. You may want to adjust your intake based on your dieting needs. It is recommended for women to consume no more than one glass of wine a day; two for men.