Red wine might help ward off depression, a Spanish study published in the BMC Medicine journal suggests. After a few weeks into the lockdown, many might find this piece of information useful as reports about depression make their way into public view. Is red wine the cure? Scientifically, it is not but the lead researcher, Dr. Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez of the University of Navarra’s public health and preventive medicine department, says that it “may help prevent depression”.

In an article published by WebMD, Martinez-Gonzalez says that “depression and heart disease seem to share some common mechanisms because they share many similar protective factors and risk factors”.  He adds, however, that their findings should not warrant anyone to start drinking excessively.

Several mental health professionals not involved in the Spanish study reportedly have reservations about the team’s findings. The report  published on BMC Medicine is consistent with other research, according to Tony Tang of Northwestern University. He notes though that other factors may have had a hand in the findings.

Another study published in Neuropharmacology says that resveratrol, a component of red wine, has a positive effect on the neurological process. According to this particular study, red wine can help curb depression and anxiety because resveratrol has anti-stress effects. It does this by controlling an enzyme that causes stress in the brain.