“Bad” Treats That Are Actually Good for You

Beer

According to research published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, researchers found that beer may be beneficial to your heart. The study showed that if you drink moderately (think: a little more than a pint of beer a day) you’re 30 percent less likely than nondrinkers to experience cardiovascular troubles, such as strokes, heart attacks, and heart disease. But what is beneficial about the brew? Researchers credit the alcohol, polyphenols (antioxidants), and other non-alcoholic substances.

Coffee

You may have heard that coffee can protect against Alzheimer’s disease, but did you know it may be able to prevent skin cancer as well? According to Boston researchers, men who consumed at least three cups of coffee a day are at a lower risk for developing basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer) than the fellas who are only drinking one cup. So why is coffee considered so valuable to your health? Numerous studies point to the high amount of antioxidants in the drink. Warning: Those morning lattes from Starbucks do not count as a lifesaver. If you’re looking to reap the benefits, your cup of Joe will need to be black.

Wine

Numerous studies have reported on generous amount of antioxidants found in red wine, and you may have heard that some scientists believe it can slow muscle deterioration. But did you know that red wine may also be capable of preventing sunburn? A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that found that the flavanoids in grapes work to halt the formation of ROSs (which are specific enzymes that kill skin cells). But just because a glass of merlot may (partially) save you from a fresh sunburn, never skip the sunblock.