Did you ever take a class in school that seemed too good to be true? My college had (and still has) one of the top-rated hospitality programs in the country. One of the courses offered was Beer & Wine Tasting. My degree was in psychology, but I needed a social credit and this counted...score! 

We learned about the different regions, varietals, and even health benefits of wine. While it’s definitely true I received credit for this course, there are arguments on both sides of the table concerning the genuine health benefits of wine.  

I’m sharing 3 points to consider...

1. Antioxidants anyone?

Bette Davis is quoted as saying, “Never, never trust anyone who asks for white wine. It means they’re phonies.” Although I prefer red over white, I wouldn’t go quite that far.  

When discussing health benefits, both wines are associated with disease-fighting benefits from their high levels of antioxidants. These little guys help our bodies fight illness and disease. Plus, another often overlooked benefit impacts the single largest organ of the body…our skin!

Resveratrol (most prominent in red wines) has become the newest sweetheart in the skin care industry. Many top brands (like our friends at Mary Kay) are using this incredible polyphenol in their newest formulations to help even skin tones and support collagen. This fab little flavonoid can also make skin glow, fight acne and boost the protection of your sunscreen against burns. 

2. The reduction factor  

If you’re a foodie, your first reference for wine reduction might be creating a great base for a sauce. But, as this articledetails, many of life’s worst health risks may be reduced by wine. From phenols with natural anti-blood clotting abilities to other free-radical fighting elements, wine is touted with decreasing our chances of...   

• Stroke
• Heart Disease
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Cancer
• High cholesterol 
• Neurodegenerative Diseases

Like my college class, perhaps you think this sounds too good to be true. This brings me to the next point...

3. The other side of the table  

There are varying arguments about all these health benefits from wine. In this blog, Dr. Simeon Jaggernauth states, “...sorry to report that all alcohol is a carcinogen. Yes, drinking alcohol regularly increases the risk of SEVEN cancers including breast, mouth and esophageal. Resveratrol, a compound in red wine, does reduce the risk of cancers in lab studies, but you can get it from grapes, blueberries and cocoa.”

Others claim there are many questions and little proof surrounding most health benefits from drinking wine. In this article by a medical professor and two of his students, wine drinking is linked to increased risks of liver cirrhosis and cardiac rhythm disorders. 

So what does all this mean? Are health benefits of wine truth or myth? It depends on who you choose to listen to. However, the overwhelming opinion is that wine - in moderation - can’t hurt your health, stress levels, or skin. So whether you’re a glass half full or half empty kind of person, I say, “there’s always room for more wine.”  On that note of oaks and berries, I’m off to do my own ongoing “research.”

Now it’s your turn! Do you incorporate wine with your lifestyle and food choices? Have you discussed this with your doctor? Comment below or email me at terri@freshbenies.com.