Wine contains resveratrol, a compound that is primarily found in the peel of purple grapes. It contains antioxidant properties that can help prevent certain diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
In addition, red wine contains other antioxidants, like tannins and flavonoids. These have a prebiotic action which help to increase the quantity and quality of good bacteria in the gut. This can reduce inflammation and help to strengthen the immune system.
Nonetheless, it is important to highlight that excessive wine consumption is harmful and can contribute to other health problems, such as alcoholism, cancer and high blood pressure. Because red wine it contains alcohol, it is not recommended for some populations, such as children under 18 and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some of the possible health benefits of drinking red wine are
- Lowering the risk of atherosclerosis, because it helps to increase HDL levels (ie. "good cholesterol"), while also lowering LDL levels (ie. "bad cholesterol")
- Helping to prevent high blood pressure by relaxing and dilating the blood vessels, which facilitates blood circulation.
- Preventing cancer by helping to fight free radicals, which are one of the factors responsible for damaging the body's healthy cells.
- Helping treat chronic diseases, such as arthritis or skin problems, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
- Preventing clots and strokes, because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, which prevents fat cell oxidation as well as the formation of fatty plaques within the arteries.
- Strengthening the immune system, because it contains anti-inflammatory and prebiotic properties, which improves the quality and quantity of good bacteria in the gut and strengthening the cells of the immune system.
- Helping to prevent diabetes, because the antioxidant properties in wine can reduce insulin resistance.
It is important to remember that these benefits can only be obtained with moderated wine consumption. It is also worth noting that there are no long-term studies available that support a direct link between red wine consumption and its health benefits.
In addition, the antioxidants present in wine can also be found in high quantities in other foods, such as grapes and red grape juice, cocoa and berries, all which can offer the same health benefits.
Nutritional information
The following table outlines the nutritional information for 100 ml of red wine, white wine and grape juice:
In order to achieve the health benefits of drinking wine, it is also essential to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, combined with regular exercise.
Maximum recommended quantity
The American Heart Association recommends that the safe amount of wine per day is up to 148 ml for women and up to 295 ml for men, keeping in mind that wine contains up to 12% alcohol.
Possible harms
Excessive wine consumption can increase the risk for certain types of cancer, such as mouth, breast, throat, liver and esophageal cancer.
Excessive wine consumption can also cause other problems, such as liver cirrhosis, memory problems, anxiety, depression, alcoholism, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Contraindications
Wine should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also not suitable for people under the age of 18 and for people who are driving.
People who are undergoing treatment or recovering from alcoholism, or who have difficulty controlling the amount they drink should not consume wine.
In addition, people who regularly take medication or have health problems should always consult a doctor before drinking wine.
