Life

Another Reason To Drink Red Wine

by Melanie Kozak

Who doesn't love a nice glass of wine? The weather is getting warmer and Sangria season is almost upon us. Well, once again this red, refreshing stress reliever has been scientifically proven to be good for us. In fact, it's been proven to be just that: A stress reliever. According to a new study from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, red wine might ease depression. We already knew that people who drink red wine showed fewer signs of depression than those who abstained; but what this new study does is shed a little light on why. Good job, science!

Recently, scientists have discovered a link between inflammation and depression in about 148 million people in the U.S. Susan K. Wood, Ph.D, and her team at USC recently found that a natural component in the skin of red grapes called resveratrol can prevent inflammation, as well as depression-related behaviors. "Our research is very relevant to today’s society because it investigates potential treatments for people with an increased susceptibility to depression and related disorders that arise due to social stress,” said Wood. If red grapes are the key, then, what better way is there to consume them than as a nice, tall glass of wine?

Studies have also shown that red wine has the possibility to prevent heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes and it might even help to prevent obesity. But let me get this straight: If I drink red wine I'll also be happier? Sold.

So, the next time you walk through the front door covered in blood, sweat, and tears from a long day at the office, go ahead and binge watch Friends on Netflix — but make sure that box on your nightstand isn't just full of tissues. Get yourself some Franzia Chillable Red, too. Oh, and for the non-alcohol drinkers out there, resveratrol, is also sold as a supplement. It may not be as fun as that wine and Friends night, but it'll still get the job done.

Image: Merlin Publishers/Tumblr