We’ve all been at that place before…at least I know I have been there more than once just this past week!! Life can be overwhelming with all the craziness we experience in our day to day lives. Sometimes the stress just gets to be too much and all you want to do is relax and let it all go. So, is wine a good idea for stress-relief? It might just be EXACTLY what your mind and body need to be able to unwind and allow yourself to recharge.
Harmful effects of stress on the body
Stress comes in many forms. Emotional, physical, psychological, chemical. Stress can be acute or chronic. Stress increases the inflammatory response in the body and is one of the leading causes of many diseases such as:
- Heart disease
- Suppressed immune system
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
A certain amount of stress is tolerated just fine by your body and is even good for you, however, when the stress load continues to build or becomes too intense, your response to it becomes negative and the toll it takes on your body becomes harmful. Reducing stress reduces inflammation and cortisol levels, therefore allowing the body to rest and recharge for optimal health.
Wine for stress relief
It feels so good to come home and pop open that bottle of cab you’ve been holding out for. The idea of it may have even crossed your mind earlier in the afternoon while it was still way out of reach. Obviously, the thought of relaxation is associated with wine but there is also a physical effect wine has on reducing stress. Studies from the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA have shown that a glass or two of red wine may be beneficial for your body. Red wine contains resveratrol, a compound that stimulates a stress response gene and activates a number of genes that protect the body. The compound is also shown to have anti-aging properties and is effective at suppressing certain cancers.
Red wine vs white wine
Red wine versus white wine, is one better than the other? Red wine grapes are fermented with the skin on, which maintains the structure of the beneficial plant compounds. When producing white wine, the skin is removed, resulting in slightly fewer nutrients and health benefits. While red wine would be the better choice, don’t allow that to deter you if you prefer white. The results you’re seeking are simply to find what gives you that sense of relaxation.
Everything in moderation
Wine should definitely not be your number one plan for good health and reducing stress. Don’t jump in to the belief that you’re going to give up your daily cardio, skip the yoga and meditation practice and drink two glasses of wine instead! Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. In conjunction with your daily healthy habits, go ahead and indulge yourself in a glass of your favorite vino without guilt.
Drinking a glass of wine as you are making dinner and listening to some music, relaxing at the end of the day with a glass of wine, enjoying time by yourself or with your partner and sharing some wine, these are things you should be doing to relax and let go of your daily stress. It’s a better option than holding on to all the stress that’s built up throughout the day.
Relax and enjoy!