It’s a little unusual for some people to hear “wine” and “health” being used together in a positive sense, but in fact there are some very well-established health benefits of consuming red wine in appropriate quantities, which we will explore below. So, the next time you're trying to find Little Giant Shiraz online, for example, remember that it can be something that’s good for you!
For clarity, obtaining the health benefits from red wine would only mean consuming a small amount of the wine each week. Excessive consumption of any alcohol can lead to health risks, as well as possible addiction, so these benefits are meant to be understood within the context of moderation! For reference, “moderate drinking” is typically defined as 1 glass (142ml) per day for females, and 2 glasses per day for males.
Benefit 1: Antioxidant Content
Red wine made with darker grapes contain 4 types of beneficial antioxidants in great quantities, including resveratrol, epicatechin, catechin, and proanthocyanidins. Among these antioxidants, the first and the last are especially beneficial to human health because they are especially effective in protecting your cells from “free radicals.” These attacking elements can have a part in causing heart disease, cancer and many other life-threatening illnesses.
Polyphenols are another type of antioxidant present in red wines that are especially beneficial to heart health. They work by helping to keep blood vessels more flexible and thus preventing unwanted clotting. Once again, however, it only brings this benefit when enjoyed in moderation. Excessive consumption of red wine, like many other alcoholic beverages, will likely cause damage to the heart.
Benefit 2: It Can Help Lower Cholesterol
Besides offering cell-saving antioxidants, red wines are also known to be able to help remove some of the bad cholesterol from your body’s system. The key ingredient is Tempranillo red grapes, which are particularly rich in fibre and can be a positive part of lowering cholesterol. You’ll find Tempranillo red grapes used most of all in Riojas.
The procyanidins in red wine are the key to what helps to keep blood vessels healthy, and apparently it even works with some nonalcoholic forms of red wine --- if that’s something you like to drink. Healthier blood vessels mean better regulation of blood pressure, which is another potential benefit. Excessive consumption can easily upset that balance, however, creating high blood pressure and even arrhythmia.
Benefit 3: It Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar
The antioxidant resveratrol, which is found most commonly in the skin of the grapes, does more than just help protect cells from free radicals. It also can help to control blood sugar levels if you suffer from diabetes. Research has shown its effectiveness in modulating blood glucose levels, decreasing insulin resistance, and even preventing inflammation that helps boost blood lipid profiles.
Benefit 4: It Can Help Reduce Cancer and Alzheimer’s Risks
It seems the benefits of resveratrol don’t stop at protecting cells and keeping glucose in check. It seems that other research has shown that resveratrol can even block the effects of proteins that would otherwise help cancer cells to develop and spread. It even inhibits the creation of beta-amyloid proteins, which are a constituent component of the plaque that develops in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
Benefit 5: A Potential Boost to Gut Health
Moving on to other parts of the body that benefit from the occasional glass of red wine, there is evidence that polyphenols also have the ability to promote activity from microbiota in the gut. These bacteria living in your gut play a crucial role in healthy digestion and intake of key nutrients, especially dietary fibres.
