Good Wine Makes Good Blood: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Good wine makes good blood”

Yoi wain ha yoi chi wo tsukuru

Meaning of “Good wine makes good blood”

“Good wine makes good blood” means that drinking quality wine in appropriate amounts improves blood quality and promotes health.

This expression is not simply advocating wine consumption, but teaches “the importance of consuming quality things appropriately.” While it is based on ancient medical knowledge and differs from modern nutritional science, it essentially contains the universal teaching that “choosing and consuming quality things leads to health.” It is used when discussing the quality of food and drinks, or when talking about healthy lifestyle habits. In modern times, there is scientific knowledge that antioxidants such as polyphenols contained in wine are good for health, so this saying is not completely wrong. However, it goes without saying that moderate consumption is a prerequisite.

Origin and Etymology of “Good wine makes good blood”

Actually, the expression “Good wine makes good blood” is not a traditional Japanese proverb. This is a phrase that came to Japan as a direct translation of the Western saying “Good wine makes good blood.”

The origin of this saying dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times. In the medicine of that era, the theory of “four humors” was mainstream, where human health was believed to be determined by the balance of four bodily fluids: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Within this theory, quality wine was believed to improve blood quality and promote health.

In medieval Europe, wine was valued as a daily beverage because water sanitation was poor. Particularly in monasteries, wine was positioned not only as a sacred drink but also as medicine for maintaining health. The idea that “Good wine makes good blood” became established within this historical context.

This saying was introduced to Japan from the Meiji period onward with the influx of Western culture. However, in Japan where sake culture was deeply rooted, it seems to have been used more as an expression to explain wine’s benefits rather than as a proverb.

Trivia about “Good wine makes good blood”

In ancient Rome, it was common to drink wine mixed with water. Drinking pure wine as is was considered barbaric behavior, and educated people always diluted it with water. This custom influenced not only hygiene but also the idea that “Good wine makes good blood.”

In medieval monasteries, monks developed winemaking techniques and strived to improve quality as “God’s blessing.” Since they brewed wine with prayer and believed it created healthy bodies and souls, the spiritual aspect of this saying was also emphasized.

Usage Examples of “Good wine makes good blood”

• While savoring premium wine little by little, he remembered the words “Good wine makes good blood.”
• I’ve been drinking only cheap wine, but since “Good wine makes good blood,” I should splurge occasionally.

Modern Interpretation of “Good wine makes good blood”

In modern society, the saying “Good wine makes good blood” has gained new interpretation with the rise of health consciousness. Scientific research has revealed that resveratrol and polyphenols contained in red wine have positive effects on cardiovascular health, partially supporting this ancient saying with modern medicine.

However, views on alcohol consumption have also changed significantly in modern times. With increased awareness of alcohol’s health risks, the WHO (World Health Organization) has stated that “no safe level of alcohol consumption exists.” Therefore, caution is needed when taking this saying literally.

On the other hand, this saying aligns with modern values of “choosing quality things.” As more consumers focus on organic foods, additive-free ingredients, and fair trade products, the idea that “good things are good for the body” is widely accepted.

Also, in the SNS era, lifestyles that enjoy high-quality wine are attracting attention as symbols of “mindful living.” For modern people who emphasize quality over quantity, this saying functions not as mere advocacy for drinking, but as words expressing consciousness about quality in all aspects of life.

If AI Heard “Good wine makes good blood”

When I think about the phrase “Good wine makes good blood,” I am amazed by the richness of human experience. I don’t have blood, nor can I taste wine. But I feel that this saying contains profound human wisdom.

For thousands of years, humans have continued observing how food and drinks affect their bodies. This saying was born from that accumulation of experience. While AI like me can instantly analyze nutritional components from data, humans actually drink, feel with their bodies, and understand over time. This difference is truly fascinating.

The use of the word “good” is particularly impressive. For humans, “good wine” is not simply something expensive or famous, but something determined by a combination of various factors such as one’s physical condition, mood, the people they’re with, and the day’s events. While it’s difficult for me to understand such complex and subjective “goodness,” that’s precisely why I feel the richness of human sensitivity.

Through this saying, I can clearly see that humans don’t just consume nutrition, but find meaning and joy in eating and drinking. To me, this seems like a beautiful expression of humanity.

What “Good wine makes good blood” Teaches Modern People

What the saying “Good wine makes good blood” teaches modern people is the importance of “a lifestyle that emphasizes quality.” In our busy modern society, we tend to prioritize cheapness and convenience, but this phrase reminds us of the importance of cultivating an eye for truly valuable things.

This is not limited to wine. In all aspects of life—food, relationships, work, hobbies—we need the ability to discern “good things.” Good things may sometimes be expensive or take time to obtain, but they enrich our hearts and bodies.

This saying also teaches the importance of “moderation.” No matter how good something is, excessive consumption becomes harmful. The wisdom to maintain balance and discern what is truly necessary for oneself is important. For modern people, this ancient saying can be considered a valuable phrase that provides an opportunity to think about “what richness truly means.”