Alcohol and Menopause: That Glass of Wine is Fine

Sip Smart. Now that you know the happy truth about wine, here’s how to make the most of your next glass:Follow the power of one. This is super important: The health benefits from wine come from drinking in moderation, the research shows. According to the Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, moderate alcohol consumption for women is up to one 5-ounce drink per day. And no, unfortunately, it doesn’t work if you have multiple drinks on Saturday and abstain the rest of the week. Stick to one glass daily—or just occasionally, your choice—and thoroughly enjoy it. Choose red whenever you can. The greatest health benefits come from red wine, which is rich in protective antioxidants, research shows. It boosts heart health, helps regulate blood sugar, and reduces the risk of dementia. It can even help protect you against viruses like the common cold, studies have found. If possible, drink Cannonau wine from Sardinia (also known as Grenache), suggest the Blue Zones experts. It has more antioxidants than other reds and may be the reason Sardinians suffer less stress and fewer heart attacks. Eat healthy while you sip. Wine can be especially beneficial as part of a Mediterranean diet, in which you eat lots of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and olive oil and cut back on meats and processed foods, numerous studies have found. Embrace a plant-based eating plan. Schedule a wine date. As you now know, socializing with a friend or a group of pals while sipping a glass of wine is the way to score the physical and mental health perks. Use this rationale as the reason to get together more frequently and you’ll continually shore up the connections that keep you strong.