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We get to the end of a long work week and some of us break the stress by indulging in a nice meal and a glass of red wine. There is something about that experience that makes us feel good. But what is it exactly that makes us feel good?

Red wine may get its health benefits from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating effects. Red wine — made from crushed dark grapes — is relatively rich of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant in the skin of grapes. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress has clear links with many diseases, including cancers and heart disease. When choosing between alcoholic beverages, red wine may be more healthy than some others.

The following sections take a closer look at the possible health benefits of red wine.

1. Cardiovascular Health
Many studies through the years have shown a positive link between moderate red wine drinking and good heart health. Recently, a 2019 review reported that drinking red wine is linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, which is a leading cause of disease and death. The authors concluded that red wine might have cardioprotective effects.

They also point out that excess alcohol can directly harm the heart. To stay safe, people should stay within official health guidelines which define moderate drinking as:
•    1 glass of wine per day for females
•    2 glasses of wine for males
One glass of wine is 5 ounces (oz) of 12% alcohol by volume.

2. Gut Health
A 2018 study reports that polyphenols from red wine and grapes can improve the gut microbiota, contributing to a healthy gut. According to 2012 research red wine compounds may also act as prebiotics, which are compounds that boost healthy gut bacteria.
In 2016, researchers suggested red wine could reduce the risk of heart disease through its effects on the gut microbiome.

3. Type 2 Diabetes
One 2015 study has shown that drinking a glass of red wine with dinner “modestly decreases cardiometabolic risk” in people with type 2 diabetes and that a moderate intake of red wine is usually safe. The scientists believe that the ethanol in wine plays a crucial role in metabolizing glucose and that the non-alcoholic ingredients may also contribute. Anyone with diabetes should check with their doctor before drinking alcohol.

3. Blood Pressure
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) , resveratrol — an antioxidant in red wine — may reduce blood pressure and increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. In 2006 scientists reported that red wine compounds called procyanidins help keep the blood vessels healthy. Many people find an alcoholic drink relaxes them, but results published in 2018 indicate that non-alcoholic red wine, too, can reduce blood pressure. This could be a more healthful option.

4. Brain Damage after Stroke
A 2015 review reports that resveratrol may help protect against secondary brain damage after a stroke or central nervous system injury. This is due to its positive effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. However, these studies show the effects of resveratrol rather than red wine itself.

5. Vision Loss
Resveratrol may also help prevent vision loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Many forms of age-related eye conditions that cause vision loss involve these factors, including:
•    glaucoma
•    cataracts
•    diabetic retinopathy
•    macular degeneration

6. Cancer
Some research says that drinking red wine in moderation could reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, the National Cancer Institute say there is strong evidence that drinking alcohol can cause certain cancers, especially drinking heavily over time. For most people, enjoying red wine in moderation is safe, but it is important to keep in mind that drinking alcohol in excess is harmful. Some studies, however, link moderate red wine intake with reduced risk or better outcomes in cancer. The following sections look at specific studies into red wine and particular types of cancer.

Breast Cancer
Alcohol increases estrogen in the body, a chemical that encourages the growth of cancer cells. However, a 2012 study says that the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in red wine — and to a lesser extent, white wine — may reduce estrogen levels and increase testosterone in females approaching menopause. The researchers say that this may be why red wine is less associated with increased breast cancer risk than other types of alcohol.

Lung Cancer
A 2017 review  reports that resveratrol has protective effects against cancer in both human and laboratory studies. The mechanisms include preventing cell proliferation and tumour growth, inducing cell death in cancer cells, and inhibiting metastasis. However, again, these effects are for resveratrol rather than red wine itself.

Prostate Cancer
A study from 2019 reports that males who drank alcohol had a slightly lower risk of lethal prostate cancer, and that red wine had links with a lower risk of progression to lethal disease. The authors say that these results mean moderate alcohol consumption is safe for people with prostate cancer.

7. Dementia
According to a 2018 report, researchers have found an increased risk of dementia in people who abstained from drinking wine. The authors say that this may be because of the neuroprotective effects of polyphenols and other compounds in wine that can reduce inflammation and alter the lipid profile in the body.

8. Depression
A 2013 study on 5,505 people over 7 years showed that those who drank between 2–7 glasses of wine each week had lower levels of depression. They also reported that people who drank heavily were more at risk for depression.

9. Liver Disease
Alcohol is a common cause of liver disease. However, a moderate intake of red wine has links with good liver health in some contexts. According to a 2018 study, modest alcohol intake — particularly wine — is linked with lower liver fibrosis in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. That said, the impact of red wine on liver health is complicated. Although it provides antioxidants and reduces oxidative stress, drinking can also increase uric acid and triglycerides, which damages the liver. That said, people who currently have liver disease should avoid alcohol altogether.

10. Longer life
Drinking red wine in moderation may reduce the risk of some chronic disease, as discussed above, so it follows that it may help people to live longer. One popularized 2000 study reported that “Men aged 45–64 drinking about 5 drinks per day have a longer life expectancy than occasional and heavy drinkers.” Drinking red wine is a common addition to the Mediterranean diet, an eating pattern that has established links with good health and long life.

Red or white wine?
Resveratrol appears to underlie many of the health benefits of red wine. Red wine contains more resveratrol than white wine as it is fermented with the skins, while white wine is not. Most of the resveratrol in grapes is in the seeds and skin. Non-alcoholic red wines may also include resveratrol.

Should I drink red wine?
For most people, enjoying a glass or two of red wine each day can be part of a healthful diet. The key is moderation. Regardless of the possible health benefits, drinking excess alcohol can do more harm than good. Ultimately, many of the benefits linked to red wine are due to the beneficial properties of resveratrol. Eating grapes and berries may, therefore, be a more healthful option.

So, you can see that red wine can take some care of your health. But what take care of the health of your red wine. Leaving red wine bottles on your fridge or in a cupboard can ruin your wine and ruin the health benefits of drinking red wine. Red wine storage is the answer. Wine cellar climate controlled spaces at Kennards Self Storage is your wine storage solution.

Storing wine is a passion of Kennards Self Storage. Kennards Wine Storage has purpose built wine storage cabinets in temperature controlled environment that is accessible 24 hours a day. Wine storage can be easy to organise. Self storage is great because you have your own space and there are no lock in contracts meaning you only pay for the days used. The quoted amount is for a one month period. Pay for that period and then get a refund for the days not used if you move out before months end. This pro-rata amount is calculated to the day you finish. Kennards moving boxes range includes the Wine Storage Box which carries 12 bottles of wine and fits the wine storage cabinet perfectly.

Simply visit the Kennards Self Storage here and you will find a very easy to use Website.

You will find Kennards Wine Storage and be able to view prices and sizes. You can then reserve or rent a space at a location near you with a couple of clicks. From there you can then purchase Wine Storage Boxes and get them delivered to your home or office. Pack your wine and then bring them to your storage space. 

If you purchase wine online, have it delivered to your Kennards Storage facility and we will accept the delivery on your behalf and then contact you to let you know it's arrived for you to visit and put your wine away. No more wine sitting at your front door waiting for you to come home.

How to store red wine is only a problem if you let it be. There are solutions to all problems. Kennards Self storage has decades experience in providing storage solutions to the casual drinker, the wine collector and businesses like wine importers and restaurants.

Kennards Self Storage – Creating the Space for Change.