Sure it’s advice that sounds like it will make for a fun evening, but it’s also advice that’s beneficial to your health, according to scientific and behavioral studies!
Studies on the effects of regular red wine consumption on overall health seem to be done by the barrelful, claiming that a glass a day can decrease the risk of heart disease, dementia, tooth decay, and even the unwanted spare tire that plague so many of us in middle age! They say it can improve balance, increase fertility, and, according to research at the University of Nebraska, even ward off bed bugs…
There are debates in the scientific community as to whether these benefits stem from the wine itself, or that the habit of drinking wine is indicative of a healthier lifestyle in general, but we think it’s safe to say savoring a great glass of red wine over dinner is good for the soul.
And let’s not forget dessert. According to Men’s Journal, indulging in sweets on a regular basis actually curbs diet-breaking cravings and increases your overall success in weight management. Not to mention, a little dark chocolate every day has been shown to reduce your risk of stroke and lower your blood pressure.
Once you’ve got these two essential ingredients to living bountifully, all that’s left is finding someone to share with, and even that is great for you r health. A 2008 Harvard study showed that giving a sum of money away to someone else heightened one’s sense of wellbeing more than spending it. This thinking was applied to those who suffer from chronic illnesses to improve their quality of life! Sharing releases oxytocin in the brain, builds trust, and invokes gratitude, all of which correlate with happiness!
So grab a bottle, a bowl of ice cream, and a buddy. And as always, live bountifully.