Crack Open The Champers: The Health Benefits Of A Glass Of Bubbly

Oooh, we love these kind of health benefits!

Forget guzzling water, five-mile runs and organic dinners… this time we’re looking at the health benefits of a bottle of bubbly!

1. Your Ticker Will Thank You…

Champagne and other sparkling wines can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke because the polyphenols (antioxidants) in bubbly help lower your blood pressure. Sip a glass once a week to reap the benefits, say researchers. Just don't have more than one a night, as with any booze, over-imbibing hurts your health.

She's telling herself she got that great skin from champagne...

2. Say Cheers!

Champagne’s carbon dioxide may help tighten your skin, and its polyphenols combat redness. And this time it’s not about drinking it…

Soak in this soothing bath:

Mix one cup of powdered milk and 1/2 cup Epsom salts in a bowl. Add one or more cups of any sparkling wine (no need to splurge!) and one tablespoon honey warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, then pour into running bath water. To double the indulgence, sip a glass while you soak.

 

Ahhh... the definition of luxury!

3. Bubbly Mood-Booster

Feeling down? Pour yourself a glass of champers… Bubbly contains natural trace elements that may help boost your mood if you imbibe in moderation. To enhance champagne's positivity power, drink it with a fish dish. Its crisp flavour pairs perfectly with seafood and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3s, which also help make you happy.

Enjoy a glass of bubbly with the girls for a real mood-booster!

4. Spiffing Salad

Use any leftover champagne as a tasty, light vinaigrette. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the oil, making it taste lighter and brighter on your tongue than other dressings.

Try this:

In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons champagne, two teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, one teaspoon white balsamic vinegar, one teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Whisk well. Drizzle over 5 ounces of baby spinach; toss with pear slices and toasted walnuts.

Delicious!

5. Sip It Slim

Champagne is a figure-friendly holiday drink. At 78 calories per 4-ounce pour, dry "Brut" champagne is one of the lowest-calorie libations you can have.