Red wine has been fabled as the heart-healthy and weight-reducing drink. We’ve all heard the old adage, but is it true?

To an extent, research does support the rhyme. Studies have shown that wine boosts your body’s defenses, guards against some cancers, boosts estrogen levels and preserves memory (obviously beneficial with midterms fast approaching).

When mixed with food, wine (and possibly beer) may even decrease the amount you consume, potentially burning extra calories for as long as 90 minutes after a glass.

But before running to Keg-N-Bottle for your new health regiment, consider that moderation is key. For those of you I.V. veterans, a bottle to yourself might not produce these health results; the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended ONLY one drink a day for women and two a day for men.

While many believe wine to be rich in antioxidants, spinach and other vegetables are a considerably better source. According to contributing editor and writer for IDEA International Health and Fitness Association, Alexandra Williams, dark chocolate may also have some of the same flavonoids as red wine.

But hell, if you already drink a glass a day, the experts agree it can’t hurt. Might as well throw the apple in for good measure.

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