It's not a crime to drink some wine - Brianna ortiz

​    News flash!  Our bodies can actually benefit from wine!  So whip out that Pinot Grigio, Moscato, or Stella Rosa because it’s about to be a grape holiday. 
​    It’s no secret that an excess amount of alcohol is consumed over the holidays.  Whether it's cocktails or craft beers, these are all ways we commonly celebrate the holidays and bring in the new year with family and friends.  Because the holidays are essentially centered around food and alcohol, it is slightly worrisome just how many calories make up our typical holiday.  What if I told you there was a way to still enjoy all the same festivities but consume far less calories? And on top of that, actually receive health benefits?  That’s right! A healthier holiday is possible!
            Alcohol has always received a bad reputation in the health community, mostly for its potential risk factor in Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, Anemia, etc. etc.  Here, however, we are going to explore the benefits of wine and how its nutritious qualities separate it from the negative perception of alcohol.  We’ve always heard the saying “too much of something is never a good thing,” which stands true with wine.  Rest your weary heart, because a tasty glass of wine can be far more satisfying knowing you can maintain your health all the while honoring your favorite holiday gatherings.
 The following are little known benefits of wine that can make you a believer for life!

1.  Wine provides important antioxidants.  Little do most of us know, red wine contains an antioxidant that is most commonly found in foods such as legumes, honey, grapes, pomegranate, cranberries, cherries, blueberries, and green tea (Anfindsen, 2015).  This substance, polyphenol Reservatrol, is extremely beneficial because it neutralizes oxidants and free radicals in our bodies.  These free radicals can be particularly harmful to your cells so antioxidants help fight off their negative impacts (Stanz, 2018). Because they provide these neutralizing agents, most people are at lower risk for developing cancer.
2. Overall it improves cardiovascular health.  ​The chemistry behind wine's ability to provide benefits for you heart lie in their polymer chains.  These chains contain proanthocyanidins which work to depress blood fat, benefit venous sufficiency, and improve capillary fragility.  This compound also works to fight the negative effect of high cholesterol on our heart and blood vessels.  Alcohol is typically known to hinder our cardiovascular health; however, wine has proven to actually raise our good HDL cholesterol by nearly 15% (Porretta & Cutler, 2018).  Also, because of the polyphenol antioxidants, wine has been linked to lower levels of your bad LDL cholesterol.
3. Promotes Cognitive Function.  ​Wine has also been known to boost your brain power!  Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, has been tested for its effects on blood flow (Cockburn, 2016).  By increasing blood flow to the brain, some individuals experience an increase in their mental performance on cognitive tasks.  So if you plan on winning your annual family bunko game, wine is the way to go! 

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      Our goal here is not to alter or change the way you celebrate the holidays, but rather to enjoy this precious time with family all the while bettering your health.  Living a healthier life doesn't mean you have to eliminate the overall aspect of alcohol.  Instead, I hope this can help you be mindful of what you eat and drink over the holidays without all the worry of the long-term negative impacts alcohol can have.

'Tis the Season

    Thinking about drinks to take to your family holiday gathering?  Aren't sure what everyone will like?  Here are some great suggestions for you!
   As we all so eagerly waiting for our Christmas turkey, what better way to impress the family with a wine that perfectly pairs with its delicate taste?  Because turkey isn't the richest of meats and has a low fat content, there is much to be gained from pairing it with a beautifully crafted wine (Sing & Bujak, 2018).  Now I know how difficult and overwhelming it can be walking into a wine aisle, but here are the ones to look out for!

• Carpe Diem, Chardonnay​
  • ​White
• Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundian Pinot Noir
  • ​Medium Red
• Chateau Leoville Pyferre, St-Julien
  • Full-bodied Red

Didn't see what you were looking for?  Need more options?  Here is a simple guide to all your holiday pairings.

Credit: Annabelle Sing/ Decanter

References
Anfindsen, S. (2015) The Health Benefits of Red Wine. University of South Carolina, Scholar Commons.  https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1038&context=senior_theses

Cockburn, H. (2016). Red Wine Could Boost Brain Power Due to Compound Found in Grapes, Scientists Believe. Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/get-paid-red-wine-northumbria-university-newcastle-a7322561.html

Porretta, C. & Cutler, M. DO, PhD. (2018) 11 Power Foods for Lower Cholesterol. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/high-cholesterol/diet/power-foods-for-lower-cholesterol/#11

Sing, A. & Bujak, M. (2018) Wine with Christmas Turkey - Food
Matching. Decanter. https://www.decanter.com/learn/food/wine-with-christmas-turkey-food-matching-285778/

Stanz, C. (2018) The 10 Health Benefits of Wine Will Inspire You to Pour a Hearty Glass Tonight. Wide Open Eats. https://www.wideopeneats.com/10-health-benefits-get-drinking-daily-glass-wine/