Imagine. After a long day of having a picnic at the park with your grandkids in the morning, then lunch with friends, then salsa dancing in the afternoon, you wind down with a glass of red wine in the evening. Sounds fantastic. But is it healthy? Let’s look at the pros and cons of drinking wine as an elderly.
The Pros of Drinking Wine as an Elderly
Drinking wine is one of life’s little luxuries we get to enjoy after a long day’s work or activities. Thankfully, the wine offers a lot of significant health benefits, some of which seniors can use. Even if you are not an avid wine drinker, you can reap its benefits with just a glass a day. That level of wine consumption is preferable to ingesting multiple glasses of wine a day, as we will see later on.
Let’s start examining the positive effects of drinking wine as an elderly before tackling the adverse effects.
Lower Cancer Risk
Red wine contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that contributes to the prevention of cancer development. Resveratrol can help combat cancer by activating or deactivating molecular pathways. Furthermore, polyphenol can reverse the ability of cancer cells to resist drugs and even make them more sensitive to chemotherapeutic treatments.
Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant that occurs in the skin and seeds of grapes. This plant chemical protects cells from damage. The damage can lead to cancer. In short, Resveratrol indirectly helps prevent cancer.
However, the studies regarding how Resveratrol combats cancer have not yet reached human testing. But by all indications, red wine seems to contribute to cancer prevention.
Better Heart Health
Talking about cancer, the benefits of red wine are still disputed among experts, however not so with its effects on the heart. The evidence that shows that red wine is good for the heart ever increases. More and more studies confirm, and more and more experts agree that several contents of red wine are conducive to heart health.
Resveratrol is one of those contents that contribute to better heart health. Aside from having anti-cancer properties, Resveratrol is also cardio-protective. It protects the heart from diseases.
Another ingredient of red wine that leads to better heart health is ethanol. Minimal consumption of ethanol leads to reduced risks of coronary heart disease and heart failure.
Lastly, the antioxidants in red wine are generally better for health, not just of the heart but overall.
Minimal consumption of red wine is good for the heart and the circulatory system. Even people who suffer from heart disease due to narrowed blood vessels will feel the positive effects of red wine. In addition, red wine produces healthy cholesterol and eliminates unhealthy cholesterol in the body.
So, seniors, a glass of red wine every night is not just luxurious; it is healthy.
Reduced Risk of Dementia
Dementia is one of the biggest and saddest diseases that afflict the elderly. While there are many ways to combat the development of dementia, one method you might not expect is in controlled ingestion of red wine daily.
Experts are shocked that the same substance, red wine, can have two extremely opposite effects to mental health. Drinking too much alcohol or red wine daily damages the brain due to its neurotoxic properties. It leads to worse cognitive performance. On the other hand, a glass of red wine daily improves the brain’s resistance to the development of dementia.
Controlled consumption of red wine daily helps battle dementia; it also resists cognitive decline associated with old age. In addition, it helps improve memory and thinking skills.
Infinite Love Homecare is a strong advocate against dementia among the elderly. We offer several services directed towards seniors with dementia. But we will prefer it if the disease does not afflict seniors at all.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, drinking red wine or other alcoholic drinks lowers blood sugar for the next 24 hours. However, drinking alcoholic beverages mixed with flavored juices can increase blood sugar levels.
Of all the types of wine, red wine is the best kind for those with type 2 diabetes. Red wine helps reduce heart problems induced by type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is a healthy type of cholesterol. Red wine also improves glycemic control.
Reduces Signs of Aging
The many antioxidants in red wine battle free radicals in the body and help preserve the skin’s youthful look. So a glass of red wine every night is a good prescription for men and women who want to look younger than they are.
The Cons of Drinking Wine as an Elderly
Many of the cons of drinking wine as an elderly or in any age group are a result of over-indulgence. Most of the benefits of drinking wine are only possible through minimal consumption of the drink. Too much red wine usually reverses the benefits and leads to bad health.
Reversal of the Benefits
Too much alcohol consumption is harmful to the heart, mental health, diabetic individuals, and the appearance of the skin—the primary tip to reaping the benefits of drinking red wine in moderation. Too much of anything is bad, especially so with alcohol.
Bad for Liver Health
The liver is primarily responsible for cleaning out the toxins in the boy, including alcohol. Pushing the limits of the liver will eventually damage it.
Terrible for the Digestive System
Moderate to high consumption of alcoholic beverages, including wine, damages the digestive system. It can lead to digestive tract infection. And, if left untreated, the condition can become an ulcer.
Worsens Gout Conditions
Even a tiny amount of alcohol in the body’s system can negatively affect gout conditions. Therefore, it is strongly advised never to consume red wine if you have gout.
Seniors, is Drinking a Glass of Red Wine Daily for You?
Based on the information given in this post, do you think that drinking a glass of red wine every night is suitable for you? First, analyze your health, then make your choice about drinking wine.
And if you do decide to have wine every night, make sure the wine is of the highest quality for your health. Consult experts if you have to. We can only give you one tip regarding drinking wine: red wine is preferable to white wine. It is because red wine contains more Resveratrol and is better for health.
Happy drinking!
Can’t Go to the Grocery for Wine? We’ve Got You Covered
What if you can’t drive yourself to the grocery store for wine, seniors? Infinite Love Homecare is at your service. Part of our services is meal preparation, which includes grocery shopping. Our personal and daily care program ensures that seniors can enjoy the most out of everyday life.
Call us at (949)-529-4130 to talk to our managers. Or you can visit the Infinite Love Homecare office at City Tower, 333 City Blvd W Suite, 1700, Orange, CA 92868, United States.
