Red wine and dark chocolate may be two of the most delightful “wellness-adjacent” indulgences out there. They’re packed with plant compounds that support your heart, circulation, and even mood—but they’re still treats, not treatment plans.
And with the holidays here—and Dry January right around the corner—it’s the perfect time to enjoy them mindfully… and not end up like the now-viral drunk racoon who broke into the Ashland, VA ABC store, ransacked the aisles, and passed out in the bathroom. A whole cautionary tale wrapped in fur.
Why Wine & Chocolate Get So Much Attention
Red Wine: Resveratrol’s Tiny Boost
Red wine contains resveratrol, a plant compound linked to:
- Reduced inflammation & oxidative stress
- More flexible blood vessels (thanks to nitric oxide)
- Better metabolic support
- Possible improvements in blood sugar markers
But here’s the catch:
You’d need unrealistic amounts of wine to reach therapeutic levels.
That’s why we offer Resveratrol + Quercetin—available in office and at https://www.physiciannutrients.com/
20% off through 12/23/2025, discount on-line will show in cart
Enjoy the wine but rely on supplements for the actual therapeutic dose.
Dark Chocolate: Flavonoids + Epicatechin
Dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) is rich in flavonoids—especially epicatechin, a standout antioxidant with impressive research behind it.
Cocoa flavanols can help:
- Improve blood vessel relaxation
- Boost nitric oxide (better circulation)
- Lower inflammation
- Support healthy blood sugar response
- Protect nerves and skin
- Improve satiety
- Support cognition
- Enhance mood
Chocolate really can make you happier—just without the sugar overload.
Bonus Plant Power: Citrus Flavonoids for Circulation
While wine and chocolate steal the spotlight, citrus antioxidants such as Diosmin and Hesperidin deserve applause. These compounds support:
- Stronger capillaries
- Better vein tone
- Healthier microcirculation
- Reduced oxidative stress
- Improved lymphatic flow
They’re commonly used for heavy legs, swelling, and vein support.
We offer Diosmin + Hesperidin supplements in office and at https://www.physiciannutrients.com/
20% off through 12/23/2025, discount on-line will show in cart
Why Drinking Less Is a Win—Holiday Season & Beyond
Cutting back on alcohol (or going for a full Dry January) is one of the simplest, most effective ways to boost overall health.
Drinking less means:
- Better mental health: Alcohol disrupts serotonin, sleep cycles, and stress hormones.
- Lower disease risk: Reduces risk of cancer, liver disease, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
- Better relationships: You’re calmer, clearer, kinder—and generally more pleasant to be around.
- Deeper sleep & better mornings: No 3 a.m. wakeups or holiday “hangxiety.”
- More energy and clearer thinking: Life feels easier when your brain isn’t fogged.
It’s amazing how good you can feel when you’re not reenacting the raccoon’s ABC-store misadventure.
How to Sip Less Without Feeling Deprived
- Choose Non–Oak-Barrel Wines
Stainless-steel–aged or younger wines = fewer tannins, fewer headaches, lower alcohol.
- Alternate Drinks
One alcoholic drink → one water or sparkling water.
- Order Half Pours
Psychologically satisfying, physically gentler.
- Low-ABV Wines (10–12%)
Better for sleep, mood, and holiday stamina.
- Have a Mocktail Plan
Because nobody wants to hold a sad cup of ice water.
Holiday Mocktail:
Cranberry Citrus Ginger Fizz**
- ½ cup unsweetened cranberry juice
- Juice of ½ orange
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 2–3 oz ginger kombucha or sparkling water
- Optional: honey or stevia
- Garnish: rosemary + frozen cranberries
Festive, bright, hydrating—and zero chance of ending up asleep in a public restroom.
Bottom Line
Red wine, dark chocolate, and citrus flavonoids offer real health benefits—just not in holiday-sized quantities. Keep portions small, choose higher-quality options, and consider Dry January as a refreshing reset for mental clarity, energy, and long-term disease prevention.
Enjoy the season, savor the treats, and stay far more composed than Ashland’s most infamous “trashed panda.”