Beyond its endless variety of styles and flavor profiles, wine is also a beverage with fantastic health benefits. In fact, these benefits have been historically embraced in some cultures, with impressive results. In France, the rate of heart disease is comparatively low — a curious fact considering the country’s notorious love for butter and cheese. This phenomenon is known as the French paradox. For some health experts, France’s consumption of red wine is the answer to this conundrum. According to the Mayo Clinic, when consumed in moderation, the high level of antioxidants in wine can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.

But not all wines are created equal. At ETTORE, founder and experienced winemaker Ettore Biraghi has made high-quality wines his passion in life. A certified organic winery in Mendocino, California, ETTORE is centered on sustainable farming practices with an emphasis on producing the finest grapes in the wine industry. As an expert on everything wine, Biraghi is here to share his expansive insights into the health benefits of this alcoholic beverage.

“Wine is a great way to keep your spirits high and happy!” Biraghi said. “Drinking wine in moderation can be healthy, especially when it is well-sourced, organic wine like ETTORE, and is best enjoyed with good company!”

The Health Benefits of Wine

While each type of wine features slightly different health benefits, all of them contain antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells against molecules called free radicals. These unstable molecules can damage cell membranes and DNA, causing illnesses like cancer and heart disease. The consumption of antioxidant-rich food is believed to counteract the effects of free radicals. One type of antioxidant that’s common in wine is resveratrol. This particular antioxidant is believed to be particularly potent in reducing bad cholesterol and blood clots. However, studies on resveratrol are not one-sided. While some researchers have positively linked resveratrol to reducing heart disease, other studies have not been able to establish a positive correlation.