Alcohol is a staple of society and has been an integral part of human diet and social experiences since very early prehistory. Indeed, traces of wine have appeared at ancient civilization sites that date back more than seven thousand years ago. Few drinks have been around longer than red wine. This beverage, hailing from the Mediterranean, has been cultivated by humans around the globe in countless vintages and tastes. However, beyond simply being a tasty compliment to a meal or the source of a good night out, red wine has a number of health benefits beyond being social lubricant. Here are a number of red wine health benefits.

Melatonin - Dark red wines, especially Merlot, Chianti and Cabernet Sauvignon, has been found to be rich in neurotransmitters called melatonin. This compound helps regulate the body’s internal clock, telling us when to wake up and good to sleep. This means that regularly drinking red wine can help you balance out your sleeping habits, preventing you from waking prematurely and allowing you to sleep more soundly at night. Furthermore, melatonin is a powerful antioxidant and helps fight many signs of aging.

Lifespan – Due to the presence of the compound resveratrol, red wine has been theorized about increasing a person’s lifespan. While this claim is still being tested, early data has shown that resveratrol has increased the life expectancy in lab animals.

Brain Health – That same chemical, resveratrol, has also been shown to be helpful at maintaining brain function in advancing age. Testing has shown this chemical can prevent Alzheimer’s and other brain illnesses that occur in the latter stages of life.

Cardiovascular Health – Perhaps one of the main reasons so many middle aged men and women are recommended to drink a glass of red wine is this beverage’s ability to protect heart health. Red wine is filled with antioxidants, beneficial compounds which remove oxidizing compounds, called free radicals, which cause stress on tissues. These free radicals are often behind inflammation and atherosclerosis, two conditions that can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attack. The resveratrol in red wine is also beneficial for cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and allowing blood vessel to dilate more efficiently. It can also lower the amount of LDL cholesterol in the body, eliminating the buildup of plaque on the interior of major arteries.

Cancer Guard – The rich cocktail of antioxidants in red wine can protect against a number of cancers. Free radicals are often composed of toxic substances, such as heavy metals, and carcinogens, like cigarette smoke. These substances are behind a large number of cancers. Drinking red wine regularly can help remove these compounds from the body and can lower the risk of lung, breast and prostate cancer significantly.

Immune Booster – Those antioxidants in wine are also vitamins. A glass of red wine has been shown to help improve the functioning of the immune system, making it a smart beverage to drink during periods of seasonal illness.