Is Red Wine Good For You?

 

Red wine is made by crushing and fermenting dark-colored, whole grapes.

There are many types of red wine, which vary in taste and color. Common varieties include Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Pinot noir and Zinfandel.

The alcohol content usually ranges from 12–15%.

Consuming moderate amounts of red wine has been shown to have health benefits. This is mainly due to its high content of powerful antioxidants.

The alcohol in wine is also believed to contribute some of the benefits of moderate wine consumption

There is some evidence that drinking red wine may offer health benefits. If you are a non-drinker, health experts do not recommend that you start drinking alcohol. But if you enjoy alcohol in moderation, red wine is worth considering.

 If you've ever wondered why red wine may be healthier than white, the answer is in the grape skins. Before most white wine is fermented, the skins are separated from the mashed fruit and juice. With red wine, the skins remain throughout the fermentation process. Since many of the antioxidants in grapes are in the skin, red wine contains more antioxidants than white wine.

 Antioxidants are important for maintaining good health because they protect your cells from damage. The antioxidants found in wine are polyphenols, which are compounds found in plants. You may also hear some of them called flavonoids. One flavonoid of interest to scientists is resveratrol, but red wine contains others. 

Nutrition Information

One serving of red wine is about five ounces. The nutritional value may vary slightly according to the variety. On average, one serving of red wine contains:

*Calories: 125

*Protein: 0 grams

*Fat: 0 grams

*Carbohydrates: 4 grams

*Fiber: 0 grams

*Sugar: 1 gram

 

Red wine also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including:

*Iron

*Calcium

 

Health Benefits of Red Wine

 Scientists have found these possible health benefits of red wine consumption:

1.      Blood Pressure Control

The polyphenols in red wine could lower blood pressure. In one study of people with slightly elevated blood pressure, red wine extract lowered readings. Both systolic and diastolic pressure improved. The study concluded that the polyphenols in red wine were responsible. The authors stated that red wine consumption is not a "magic bullet," but could be one contributor to good heart health.

 

2.      Heart Health

Although some researchers disagree, evidence showing that red wine is good for heart health continues to grow. Some benefits come from the ethanol present in all wine. Ethanol may combine with the polyphenols in red wine to create several positive effects for the heart and circulatory system. Those with heart disease resulting from narrowed blood vessels may benefit most. 

3.      Cancer Risk Reduction

Resveratrol, one polyphenol in red wine, may reduce the risk of cancer, but this effect has appeared mostly in the lab and not in human studies. Some researchers say that red wine does not contain enough resveratrol to be effective. Still, those who drink red wine have shown a lower risk of colon cancer and prostate cancer. It's possible that the lowered risk is due to other compounds in red wine. 

4.      Reduced Risk of Dementia

One study showed that light to moderate drinking could reduce the risk of dementia, but no type of alcohol was superior to others in producing this effect. Some research has indicated small doses of alcohol may have a beneficial effect on the heart and circulatory system.  

 

5.      Lower Risk of Diabetes

Some studies show that moderate alcohol intake could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. In one study, wine reduced the risk of diabetes for both men and women. Men who drank heavily, and even those who drink 1-3 days a week, had an increased risk of diabetes.

 

Health Risks of Red Wine

Drinking red wine presents some potential health risks:

1.      Excessive Drinking

Many people have a problem with over consuming alcohol. The U.S. government includes alcohol guidelines in its Healthy People Initiatives, but many individuals do not follow them. Many consumers, especially heavy drinkers, underreport their alcohol consumption, so the problem is likely worse than reports indicate. 

2.      Pregnancy Concerns

 Those who are pregnant should not drink alcohol. This precaution extends to those planning to get pregnant and to those who are breastfeeding. All alcohol should be avoided, including red wine.  

 

3.      Alcohol and Gout

 People who suffer from gout should not drink at all.  Consumption of alcohol, including wine, can worsen gout symptoms.

 

4.      Liver Damage

 Drinking too much alcohol of any kind can damage the liver, leading to conditions such as cirrhosis. Alcohol can even worsen conditions caused by a virus, like hepatitis C.