Tipping back a glass of red wine can do much more than help you relax after a long day. There’s scientific evidence that, in limited quantities (defined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans as up to one 5-ounce glass for women and up to two 5-ounce glasses for men), red wine can also have surprising health benefits. Here, we’ve outlined some of the most compelling reasons to fill up your glass—as if you needed an excuse.1. Researchers at Harvard Medical School confirmed that resveratrol, a compound found in the skin of red grapes, may provide anti-aging benefits by stimulating the production of a protein that protects the body from diseases caused by aging. A 2007 study in the Journals of Gerontology supports the anti-aging claims: Over a 29-year period Finnish wine drinkers had a 34 percent lower mortality rate than beer or spirit drinkers.2. Resveratrol also may help improve short-term memory. After just 30 minutes of testing, researchers found that participants taking resveratrol supplements had a significant increase in retention of words and showed faster performance in the hippocampus (the portion of the brain associated with the formation of new memories, learning, and emotions). 

3. Reduces the risk of heart disease. A 2007 study suggests procyanidins, compounds found in red wine tannins, help promote cardiovascular health. Wines produced in areas of southwest France and Sardinia, where people tend to live longer, have particularly high concentrations of the compound. Another study from the Harvard School of Public Health suggests moderate drinkers are less likely to have a heart attack.4. An Icelandic study discovered that moderate drinkers were 32 percent less likely to develop cataracts than nondrinkers. 5. Cuts cancer risk. A protein in grape skin can kill cancer cells, according to researchers at the University of Virginia. The protein, resveratrol, helps starve cancer cells by blocking development of a key protein that feeds them. 6. Improves dental health. Recent research implies antioxidants (called polyphenols) found in wine can slow bacterial growth in the mouth and potentially help prevent cavities. To test the theory, researchers treated cultures of bacteria responsible for dental disease with a variety of different liquids.

Red wine was most effective in eradicating the bacteria.7. High-fiber varietals, like Tempranillo and Rioja, may lower cholesterol levels. Healthy study participants given a grape supplement found in red wine saw a 9 percent drop in LDL (the “bad cholesterol” that can clog arteries). Those with established high cholesterol given the same supplement experienced a 12 percent drop in LDL.8. Helps fend off the common cold. Thanks to the antioxidants found in red wine, researchers found those who drank more than 14 glasses of wine per week were 40 percent less likely to experience a bout of the common cold.Love a good glass of vino but hate hitting the gym to work it off? This news will make your day. UPDATE: Drinking red wine could help burn fat, says new study Research conducted by the University of Alberta in Canada has found that health benefits in resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, are similar to those we get from exercise. Red wine over a heavy session on the cross-trainer?

Now that's something we can definitely get onboard with. MORE: Carrot Hunger - the calorie counting app that bullies you into losing weight According to lead researcher, Jason Dyck, these findings will particularly help those who are unable to exercise. Resveratrol was seen to improve physical performance, heart function and muscle strength in the same way as they're improved after a gym session.the wine guy wine shop "I think resveratrol could help patient populations who want to exercise but are physically incapable," he says.best australian wine deals "Resveratrol could mimic exercise for them or improve the benefits of the modest amount of exercise that they can do."best selling white wine in the us

Discussion over the health benefits of red wine have been well documented. Studies have revealed that those who drink a glass of red wine a day are less likely to develop dementia or cancer, that it's good for your heart, anti-ageing and can regulate blood sugar. And now there's research backing that fact that it boosts heart rate? This is literally the best thing ever.buy wine online delivery europe MORE: How to buy a good red wine for under £10best wine to drink india Though, let's be straight here - this is all in moderation, it only applies to red wine and the university's study was carried out on rats, not humans.best wine clubs london Still, if you want to up your intake of resveratrol? best type of dry white wine

Try blueberries, peanut butter, red grapes and dark chocolate. Remember, a balanced diet is everything. All about a healthy diet? Check out these 10 foods that will have your skin looking gorgeous and glowy in no time.Two glasses of red wine a day can be good for your heart DRINKING two glasses of red wine a day can prevent heart attacks, research has found.what type of wine goes best with greek food Dr William McCrea says his research shows that red wine is good for the heart [SWNS]A study saw 10,000 patients with heart issues prescribed two glasses a day for 10 years.best wine trips in usaThe unusual experiment examined statistics in France and noticed patients suffered far fewer heart attacks despite fattier diets and higher smoking rates.Cardiologist Dr William McCrea at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon handed out 125ml glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon twice a day on his rounds.

Dr McCrea, 58, claims the antioxidant properties of the red wine have reduced the risk of a second heart attack in his patients by half – and the risk of a stroke by 20 per cent.He even has recommendations for the vintages and grapes with the highest antioxidant content – and insists that cheap screw-top bottles are the best. It prevents clots from developing inside the arteries, raises good cholesterol, which is called HDL, and it causes dilatation of the arteries The ones with the highest concentrations come from high altitudes and Dr McCrea recommends Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile and Shiraz and Pinot Noir from South Africa.Dr McCrea said: “In France people consume twice the amount of fat that we do, they smoke more and they don’t do any more exercise, but their deaths from heart attacks are half ours.“We were the first in the world to try this."If you drink no more than two glasses it has a beneficial effect on coronary disease."It prevents clots from developing inside the arteries, raises good cholesterol, which is called HDL, and it causes dilatation of the arteries.“