Have a Glass of Wine
August 6, 2009 by Wil Reagan
Filed under Fitness
Normally we write about fitness tips here, but we like to incorporate some nutrition advice is well. After all, eating healthy and staying fit go hand in hand. Today, let’s talk about putting down the beer and having a glass of wine instead.
Many people like to have a beer or other alcoholic beverage when socializing or relaxing. Consuming too much alcohol can certainly be unhealthy and lead to many types of problems. But research shows that consuming as little as one glass of red wine a day can actually have a whole host of positive effects on the body.
Image: sxc.hu
As long as you remember to keep your wine consumption within moderation, you may be protecting your body from certain cancers and heart disease. Studies have linked red wines, especially those of French origin, to a lower incidence of heart attacks among those who regularly imbibe. This is thought to have to do with the greater amount of antioxidants present in red wine, compared to the amount present in other wines.
If you think wine is too light or “girly” for you, think again. It’s sophisticated, hearty and quite tasty, if you pick the right one. Plus wine bars are fantastic places to pick up women. These bars have some of the best European and local wines. The atmosphere is normally very relaxing. You can kick back, socialize, and have a glass of wine or two, while enjoying appetizers and the company of fine women. Most wine bars offer wine by the glass or the bottle and have 100s of choices. So next time, you are headed out, definitely consider a wine bar.
In terms of alcohol consumption, always keep in mind the negative aspects on your health. Empty calories combined with a lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain, which has a negative effect on the heart. For this reason, it is important to balance red wine consumption with proper exercise (not at the same time, of course) in order to reap the benefits of both worlds. And always remember, don’t drink and drive.
Other interesting reading:
I’m drinking a very dark red right now that could never be considered girly. :)
Swapping the beer for the wine really is a great idea for your health but also for widening your drinking horizons and being able to really impress friends and family when you take them a really nice bottle of wine to your next dinner party.
I know there was this stereotype of all red wine being heavy but the reality is it isn’t. The Syrahs and Shirazs of this world will definitely have that full bodied, deep feeling about them, but pick up a Dolcetto, a California Pinot Noir or even a Rioja and you’ll have something that’s a whole lot easier on the palate.
Just be sure to NOT be exercising while holding that glass of wine. Dangerous stuff I tell ya. :)