All about red wine, the drink with countless health benefits
Red wine is more than just a drink suitable for a romantic dinner. It's a potion with countless benefits and it's worth enjoying even every day.
- Nutritional properties and values of red wine
- What benefits does red wine have
- Red wine varieties and their properties
- Contraindications in the consumption of red wine
Nutritional properties and values of red wine
Wine, whether red, white or pink, is a natural drink, made only from grape must, and red wine is largely transferred to the properties of black grapes, from which it is also made. Thus, in 100 ml of red wine we have, on average, the following nutritional values:
- Calories: 63
- Carbohydrates: 2.1
- Protein: 0.1
- Fats and Fibre: 0
- Potassium: 100 mg
- Magnesium: 20 mg
- Phosphorus: 20 mg
- Calcium: 7 mg
- Iron: 0.9 mg
- Vitamin B1: 0.01 mg
- Vitamin B2: 0.02 mg
At the same time, in addition to vitamins and minerals, in a glass of red wine we also find other substances beneficial to the body and mind, including:
- Polyphenols – Antioxidant substances, with action in the prevention of the formation of free radicals and with regenerative action on the body.
- Resveratrol – The most powerful antioxidant and a polyphenol with anti-aging properties and found in large quantities in the bark and kernels of grapes, especially black ones. Resveratrol is produced by plants to defend itself against ailments.
- Flavonoids – Antioxidants with effect on the immune system, but also with anti-inflammatory effects
- Melatonin – The natural hormone involved in regulating circadian rhythm, with an important role in sleep quality.
What benefits does red wine have
It is known the beneficial effect of red wine consumed in moderation. Antioxidants in red wine are primarily responsible for the beneficial effects of this drink. In the long term and entered into the daily lifestyle, red wine helps to prevent serious conditions, if doubled, of course, by other elements such as a balanced and varied diet and sport.
Red wine prevents the development of some cancers
Resveratrol, the antitumor antioxidant that red wine contains to the full, is one of the substances recognized for its cancer prevention effects. In laboratory tests, resveratrol has shown its strength to reduce the incidence of tumors, as it inhibits the development of cancer cells.
Red wine gives you a more restful sleep
Sleep is one of the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle, and melatonin in red wine is helpful in treating sleep disorders. Surely you know a person who refuses red wine at parties precisely because he becomes sleepy at the end of the glass. Well, this effect is a proven one and makes the red wine drink perfect for the evening meal.
Red wine helps prevent atherosclerosis
The antioxidant substances in red wine stimulate the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator agent, which helps maintain the health of the arteries. At the same time, nitric oxide functions as a neurotransmitter that facilitates faster transmission of information, which is also of particular importance for brain function.
Anti-inflammatory role of red wine
Resveratrol is the substance responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of red wine. Inflammation is a response of the body to harmful factors such as pathogenic microorganisms, irritants, diseased cells, so any substance with anti-inflammatory effect helps in relieving unpleasant effects caused by various conditions.
Red wine and kidney stones
A glass of red wine consumed every day reduces the risk of kidney stones and chronic kidney disease by 31%, according to a study by Dr. Pietro Manuel Ferraro of Sacro Cuore Catholic University in Rome and Dr. Gary Curhan of Harvard American University.
Other benefits of red wine
Red wine also has other important beneficial effects such as:
-
Prevention of colds
– A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology and cited by the NY Times showed that people who consume red wine have a 60% lower risk of getting sick than those who don't drink red wine when it comes to seasonal colds.
-
Prevention of cardiovascular disease
– Consumed in moderate quantities, red wine helps to protect the health of the heart and, in this case, to prevent cardiovascular disease, while also having a proven effect on blood flow. Also, red wine lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the body. The best proof is that in France, a large country loving and producing wine, especially red wine, the incidence of cardiovascular disease is lower than in other countries.
-
Lowers the risk of Alzheimer's disease
– All resveratrol is the one responsible for this beneficial effect of red wine.
-
Prevents diabetes
– Because red wine helps regulate blood sugar levels, it is considered a reliable ally in the prevention of diabetes.
-
Prevents obesity
– Resveratrol is also this time the ingredient that has an effect in fat burning and activating metabolism, so that we keep in shape and avoid the accumulation of extra pounds.
-
Has aphrodisiac effect
– Effect explained by the fact that red wine stimulates blood circulation, and alcohol has a disinhibiting effect. A study in Italy found that women who drink red wine regularly have a higher sexual appetite than those who drink other types of alcohol or do not consume alcohol at all.
-
Banish stress and has relaxing effect
– Both because of alcohol and substances such as polyphenols or melatonin, red wine is a drink that relaxes and dispels stress, the best time to consume it being in the evening.
Red wine varieties and their properties
By and large, all red wines have roughly the same properties, but if we look at each variety individually, we will find that they differ to a certain extent and that we can make a choice based on its properties:
- Pinot Noir in cooler and rainy areas – has the highest concentration of resveratrol, so its anti-aging and anti-tumor effects are even stronger.
- Cabernet, Shyraz, Merlot – Have high content of procianids, flavonoids that help maintain healthy blood vessels and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke
- Sagratino, Cabernet Sauvignon – Wines with the highest level of polyphenols
Contraindications in the consumption of red wine
At the same time, hypertensive people should consume red wine only occasionally and in small amounts, as it will further increase their blood pressure. People suffering from liver disease – hepatitis, cirrhosis – cannot consume alcoholic beverages of any kind.