3 Amazing Health Benefits of Wine — Plus, 3 Delicious Sangria Recipes

4 years ago
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Did you know you can get some pretty great health benefits of wine while enjoying a glass (or two)? And no, we aren’t just talking about the pleasant feeling of being a bit tipsy.

Take a look to see a few perks you can get from wine — plus a few delicious sangria recipes to sip!

Health Benefits of Wine

Boosts immunity: Enjoying a daily glass of wine can cut your risk of colds and flu by 58 percent in just 72 hours, say UCLA researchers. The reason: The alcohol and phenolics in the sip boost immune defenses to help the body fight off invading germs, while antioxidants tamp down immunity-weakening inflammation.

Ups energy levels: Resveratrol, a plant compound in red wine, increases the activity of cellular energy engines (called mitochondria). The payoff: A study in the journal Cell found that higher resveratrol intakes increased subjects’ stamina and endurance during physical activity by 180 percent.

Blocks fat storage: Sipping red or rosé wine cuts the formation of new fat tissue by 80 percent, according to research from Purdue University. Credit goes to a plant compound (piceatannol) that blocks receptors on immature fat cells, preventing them from growing or storing new fatty tissue.

Try one of these fruity sangrias, which are packed with body-healing nutrients to help you look and feel your all-time best!

Strawberry- Rosé Refresher

  • 1 (750 ml.) bottle rosé
  • 1 1⁄2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 2 limes, sliced
  • 1 (12 oz.) can lemon-lime soda

Combine all ingredients. Serve over ice.

Bonus! The folic acid in strawberries boosts mood.

Apple-Ginger Zinger

  • 1 (750 ml.) bottle red wine
  • 2 apples, cored, diced
  • 1 cup chopped orange segments
  • 1⁄2 cup ginger brandy
  • 1⁄4 cup lime juice
  • 1 (12 oz.) can ginger ale

In ice-filled pitcher, combine first 5 ingredients. Top with ale.

Bonus! The hesperidin in lime juice lowers blood pressure.

Cherry-Citrus Sipper

  • 1 (750 ml.) bottle white wine
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 cup pitted cherries
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1⁄2 cup citrus vodka
  • 1 (12 oz.) can seltzer

In pitcher, muddle first 6 ingredients; chill. Add ice, then top with seltzer.

Bonus! Cherries block inflammatory enzymes, cutting aches by 25 percent.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.