February 18th is nationally recognized Drink Wine Day.Yup, it's an actual thing. I really think it was made for me. While many things you read say alcohol is against all things healthy, I have been convinced otherwise. Now let me be clear, the sugar in wine isn't exactly healthy and alcohol itself can be dehydrating, but the positive effects of wine reside in low quantities.
Now I know you try to make healthy food choices and go to the gym, I"m there with you. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve surely heard of the heart-healthy benefits of red wine. If you are already eating healthy and going to the gym, this might not have a big impact. BUT, what if there was more? More benefits you say? Sign me up!
1. Save Your Marbles
When researchers gave memory quizzes to women in their 70s, those who drank one drink or more every day scored much better than those who drank less or not at all. Wine helps prevent clots and reduce blood vessel inflammation, both of which have been linked to cognitive decline and heart disease, explains Tedd Goldfinger, DO, in a study of the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
2. Keep The Scale In Check
There are two ways this can help, but don't cross off the gym just yet. Studies find that people who drink wine daily have lower body mass than those who indulge occasionally. Alcohol may encourage your body to burn extra calories for as long as 90 minutes after you down a glass. Not only that, red wine contains a polyphenol (a type of micronutrient) in it called resveratrol. Resveratrol does this awesome thing that transforms ‘white fat’ into ‘beige fat’, which is far easier to burn off.
3. Put Your Dukes Up
We all try to avoid bacteria and of course do what we can do avoid infections. In one British study, those who drank roughly a glass of wine a day reduced by 11% their risk of infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a major cause of gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancers. As little as half a glass may also guard against food poisoning caused by germs like salmonella when people are exposed to contaminated food, according to a Spanish study.
4. Curb the Blood Sugar Cycle
Pre-menopausal women who drink one or two glasses of wine a day are 40 percent less likely than women who don't drink to develop type 2 diabetes, according to a 10-year study by Harvard Medical School. While the reasons aren't clear, wine seems to reduce insulin resistance in diabetic patients.
I'm a big wine enthusiast but even more than that, I love to find ways to save money! Here's my top faves with the places to save! First, let's talk Costco. It's one of my top 2 places. Did I mention you don't need a membership to score these amazing deals!?
1. Apothic Red
This is one of my favorites! It has a retail price of $14 but available for $7.99 at Costco. SWEET! But it doesn't taste that way. It has notes of Black Cherry, Vanilla and Mocha. It combines Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah.
Not a red fan? Try the Apothic White. It's a combo of Chardonnay, Resiling and Pinot Grigio.
2. Menage A Trois
Tride and true, it's a soft blend of all of the best. It's a beautiful blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet. You can pick it up at a retail liquor store for $12 but available for around $6.99 at Costco. Right now, they have a 6 pack with a little extra. Stock up!
If you are looking for something a little more special (and delicious).....
3. Salem Glen
My favorite is the Marquette red wine. It's close to my house, it's wonderfully made Richly flavored with a pleasing tannin structure. Our Marquette exhibits aromas of cherry, black pepper and spice.
4. Target
If you are in an area that's supported by the added ammentiities of Target than you are lucky. Even now, another way to save. head to Target Wines for a good deal on wines where distribution exists. Plus, if you are a Target member already you can save an extra 5%!