Everyone likes a glass of wine at the end of the day.
Somehow, no matter how stressful a day you might have had, sipping on a glass of red always manages to help you calm you down.
And while we always thought it was just ritual of the enjoying a deep red in a polished thin-stemmed glass (or maybe just the alcohol content) that gives us that calming effect, it turns out that there actually might be some more science behind it.
A new study has found that drinking red wine actually can help you de-stress at the end of the day – and it’s all because of its ingredients.
More: The healthiest red wine has come to the UK - this is where you can buy it
Scientists have found that plant compound resveratrol, which is found in red wine, can block enzymes linked to stress, depression and anxiety and help relieve stress on the brain.
The body produces the hormone corticosterone if you are stressed or worried and excessive stress can cause the hormone to circulate around the brain, possibly even leading to mental health problems.
However, the scientific study, published in the journal Neuropharmacology and led by Xiaoxing Yin, professor at Xuzhou Medical University in China, found that resveratrol helped protect the body against corticosterone.
‘Resveratrol may be an effective alternative to drugs for treating patients suffering from depression and anxiety disorders,’ said Ying Xu co-lead author and research associate professor in the Buffalo University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
More: Whether you prefer red or white wine apparently says a lot about your personality
That obviously doesn’t mean that anyone suffering from depression or anxiety will be fine with a glass of wine, but if you’re feeling a little stressed after a hard day of work then a tipple or two could do the trick and make sure to always try and stick to the recommended guidelines.
According to the NHS there is no ‘safe’ level of drinking, but less than 14 units a week is considered low risk. You’ll find three units in a large (250ml) glass of 12% ABC red wine and two in a 175ml glass.
-
-
This celebrity-favorite brand is having a secret sale you need to shop now
Saks Off 5th is having a secret sale on rag & bone, a celebrity-favorite of Katie Holmes, Jennifer Anniston, and Jennifer Garner
By Rylee Johnston •
-
Ellen DeGeneres will end her talk show after 19 seasons after toxic workplace allegations
'19 years is a long time to do anything'
By Danielle Valente •
-
This TikTok ab dance is going viral—but you should know this before you try it
Read before attempting!
By Danielle Valente •
-
The best sleep apps to tackle common sleep problems and help you drift off easier
These apps track and monitor your sleep, to have you snoozing in no time!
By Ciara McGinley •
-
The best sleep guided meditations for drifting off at night
Try sleep guided meditations to help you fall asleep and snooze through the night
By Ciara McGinley •
-
Fitness for women over 50–five workouts to kickstart your fitness journey
Plus, experts share how these activities will transform your physical fitness and emotional wellbeing
By Ciara McGinley •
-
The best workouts for getting fit and feeling good
Get moving with five of the best workouts for women
By Faye M Smith •
-
Why strength training is so important for women and how to do it at home
Whether it’s using bodyweight or dumbbells, strength training for women could make all the difference to body and mind
By Lucy Gornall •
-
The best at-home workouts for every fitness goal
From the time-poor to the early risers, we've got you covered with the best at-home workouts
By Ciara McGinley •
-
MASKC's colorful KN95 face masks are a hit with A-listers—and they're currently on sale!
Celebrities are loving this MASKC KN95 mask that comes in a range of chic colours and patterns
By Laura Harman •
