If you enjoy a nice glass of wine every now and then like I do, I've got some good news! Scientists working for pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline have been testing the synthetic versions of resveratrol–a chemical found in red wine–and found that it could actually slow the process of aging!
The drugs have been shown to be effective against a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cataracts.
"We're finding that ageing isn't the irreversible affliction that we thought it was," said Harvard genetics professor David Sinclair of the findings. "Some of us could live to 150."
Wow! Looks like red wine really can do it all. And this isn't the first time scientists have found that drinking–in moderation, of course–can be beneficial. Pour yourself a glass and check out 5 other ways alcohol can actually be good for you below:
Helps Digestion
Fernet-Branca is an Italian bitter that reportedly contains 27 different herbs and spices taken from four continents. When it was first produced in 1845, it was advertised as a cure for menstrual cramps, but some also swear by its powers as a digestive aid!
Prevents heart disease
A review published in the British Medical Journal found a 14 to 25 percent drop in heart disease in people that drank alcohol with moderation–and that's not necessarily limited to just red wine, as other studies previously claimed. The research found that the benefits of alcohol apply no matter what kind of drink you have, whether its pinot noir or tequila!
Lower cholesterol
Having a glass of red wine a day apparently can also help the keep the doctor away! Red wine contains a nutrient that protects against artery-damaging bad cholesterol. Plus, consumed in moderation, it could also help protect against cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Relationships
A new study has found that couples who drink together stay together! The research found that spouses who drank the same amount of alcohol were less likely to get divorced than couples that feature one person who really likes liquor and another who only drinks occasionally.
Increases libido
Depending on your weight, gender and other factors, one or two drinks can help some people loosen up and overcome their inhibitions. Of course, one drink too many and that can actually hurt your body's ability to respond so the trick is to hit that sweet spot.
