17 Jan The True Benefits of Red Wine

There’s common wisdom that red wine is good for you. Although drinking is not encouraged by the medical establishment, there are definitely indications that a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is a much better idea than a whiskey sour or vodka tonic.  Here’s why.

How is Red Wine Different From Other Liquor?

Red wine gets its good taste from dark grapes. Some are actually red, but just as many look purple or even black. Beyond the color of the grapes, the order of the fermentation process is what makes red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, different from white wine. 

With white wine, the winemaker presses the grapes to remove the skins and other extra matter before fermentation.  When making red wine, the skins, stems, and seeds are not removed until after fermentation.  This results in a denser liquid that retains more of the natural goodness of the fruit.

 The same tannins that make a good Cabernet Sauvignon so deliciously different from the typical white wine are among the natural compounds that maintain red wine’s nutritional value.  Red wine retains slightly more nutrients than white wine.  This includes Manganese, Riboflavin, Phosphorus, Niacin, Potassium, Vitamin B6, and iron.

Even more important, the grapes are rich in resveratrol. These are antioxidants, compounds known for their positive health effects. Science has been studying these substances to determine how they assist human health. In addition, science has studied whether red wine is good for your health in the way that common wisdom has said that it is.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol has a number of health benefits.  It reduces inflammation which reduces joint damage and pain. It has been shown to reduce the diseases of aging.  It has been shown to fight cancer.  

This antioxidant works by starving cancer cells of a key protein.  It essentially blocks the ability of cancer cells to develop and/or multiply.  Red wine hasn’t been shown to specifically block cancers, but it has been linked to lower rates of certain types of cancer.

Naturally occurring, resveratrol has been shown to lower the chances of heart disease.  There have actually been studies that show that a person drinking a glass of red wine daily saw an increase in their good cholesterol levels.  This HDL is something that helps your body get rid of bad cholesterol (LDL), which causes artery damage.

There are also studies showing eye microcirculation is linked to higher levels of resveratrol. This can reduce the chances of eye diseases that contribute to vision loss.  Polyphenols, such as resveratrol, have been linked to mouth health. It fights bacteria in the mouth, the same bacteria that lead to tooth loss. 

Flavonoids, another antioxidant found in red wine, has been shown to reduce the chances of getting sick. These substances have been shown to strengthen the immune system and make infections less likely.

Is this science enough to cause you to choose red wine over other liquors and beer?  Well, it is nice to know that something delicious can be good for you.  If you are switching to red wine for the benefits, keep in mind that the recommended intake is five ounces. This is a typical pour of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon.