Red wine is one of the most delicious and ancient alcoholic beverages , whose consumption in moderation can lead to certain health benefits, being one of the main ones granted at the cardiovascular, neurological, cerebral, intestinal level, in addition to relieving stress, lower cholesterol, strengthen bones and slow aging, among others.
In fact, some scientific studies have been carried out to certify that the consumption of red wine in small doses can have a positive impact on your health , compared to other alcoholic beverages.
That is why by virtue of this, we present the following article where you will know everything you need to know about red wine.
What is red wine?
Wine comes from the Latin vinum , derived from the grape or fruit of the vine , it contains a large amount of antioxidants (flavonoids) that after a maturation and fermentation process gives rise to this elixir worthy of the ancient gods.
Its appearance dates back to ancient Mesopotamia , when the Egyptians macerated grapes in clay pots to produce a drink that benefits the body.
To highlight: The most interesting thing about red wine is that in addition to being a spirit drink that makes sad hearts happy, it contains polyphenols which are associated with weight loss, among many other benefits that we will describe later.
What are the health benefits of red wine?
There are many benefits of red wine, including its anticoagulant and microbacterial capacity , which promotes cognitive and cardiovascular development, as well as strengthening bones.
Below we present ten of the most important benefits of consuming this ancient drink , remembering that excessive alcohol can be harmful to your body:
1. Supports Heart Health
Various scientific studies show that a glass of red wine can act on inflammatory molecules in the arteries in patients with high cardiovascular risk.
In this sense, according to a study carried out by the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC), it was shown that “both ethanol and the polyphenols in red wine have beneficial effects on the inflammatory molecules that cause atherosclerosis” . (1)
Note: Red wine benefits the production of the so-called “good cholesterol” in the blood, since its vasodilator and anticoagulant effect reduces the elevation of blood pressure.
2. Delays the aging process
Red wine is capable of slowing down the aging process, we are not talking about the source of “eternal youth”, but thanks to its high content of resveratrol and flavonoids , antioxidants par excellence, red wine prevents premature aging of cells. and promotes the production of collagen, an agent that prevents the appearance of expression lines.
You should know : The consumption of antioxidants is related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases , premature aging and the appearance of some types of cancer.
3. Promotes good cognitive functioning
It turns out that in addition to “brightening the heart” , red wine “eliminates garbage from the brain”, as demonstrated by a study carried out by Rocío Jiménez, from the Complutense University of Madrid , entitled: “The Neuroprotective Effect of Red Wine” . (two)
In this research, the properties offered by ethanol are highlighted, a compound present in red wine as a protective agent in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Párkinson ‘s diseases as the main ones.
4. Promotes intestinal health
An investigation carried out by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , supports that the intake of red wine can considerably modulate the growth of intestinal probiotics, which significantly reduces the appearance of bacteria that cause diseases of the digestive system. (3 )
To highlight: In addition, the consumption of this ancestral drink prevents the risk of ulcers and is an excellent digestive, a glass after eating relieves stomach heaviness.
5. Fights bacterial infections
Red wine has an antimicrobial capacity , which can have an impact on some periodontal pathogens, as confirmed by a study carried out by the Complutense University of Madrid . (4)
On the other hand, there is some evidence on the effect of red wine on urinary tract infections and the formation of kidney stones. Red wine is thought to lower protein levels in the urine, but more conclusive studies are lacking.
6. Strengthens the bones
The consumption of red wine contributes to bone health , thanks to its high content of minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium.
Note : Consumption of red wine properly and combined with an adequate diet can contribute to strengthening muscle mass .
7. Protects the health of the eyes and skin
The large amount of antioxidants present in red wine are not only capable of slowing down aging, but can also bring benefits for eyesight , since its anticoagulant function prevents the development of new blood vessels that are related to some eye diseases. .
To highlight: Wine therapy is a new trend for skin care that does not waste the properties of polyphenols present in red wine, since this compound has large amounts of vitamins E, C and potassium, components that help oxygenate the body . The largest organ in the body, the skin .
8. Contributes to weight loss
Due to the various problems that obesity entails, the desire to lose weight has become one of the greatest desires in the world population, which is why scientific researchers have determined that red wine , thanks to a component known as Piceatannol, is able to block the growth of fat cells .
The foregoing is supported by the Foundation for Research on Wine and Nutrition (FIVIN). This organization is in charge of offering scientific data that highlights the properties of red wine. (5)
Important: Remember not to drink more than one glass a day and alternate its consumption with water.
9. Reduces the risk of depression
It is not an occurrence to say that red wine “makes the heart happy” not only because of the benefits at the cardiac, cerebral and intestinal level, but that the consumption of red wine allows the release of endorphins , a chemical compound produced in the brain that has an analgesic effect. natural and is one of the so-called happiness hormones.
You should know : Excessive consumption can lead to strong anxiety states as with any other alcoholic beverage, therefore the recommendation is moderate consumption.
10. Prevents certain types of cancer
Many scientific studies support that the consumption of alcoholic beverages increases the risk of cancer. However, the consumption of red wine is associated with some benefits against this disease.
In this regard, an investigation published by the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria entitled “Effects of wine polyphenols on cancer prevention” offers interesting, but not conclusive, data on red wine consumption, highlighting that ” Red wine polyphenols , play a significant role as an antioxidant and pro-oxidant in cancer , although more research in humans is needed.” (6)
Note : Consuming red wine in moderation may decrease the risk of chronic disease .
Properties of red wine
The benefits of red wine consumption have been investigated ancestrally , due to the positive contributions associated with some health problems, always making it very clear that excess alcoholic beverages have negative consequences.
For this reason, red wine, due to its proven anticoagulant capacity , offers very good contributions previously described, which are given by its nutritional components that we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
In this article the multiple properties of red wine have been highlighted, this allows us to imagine its great content of vitamins and minerals , among which are: vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B12, and minerals such as zinc, lithium, calcium, iron and potassium.
To highlight : Thiamine (vitamin B1) is the most prominent in red wine with a ratio between 0.04 and 0.05 g/l. In the case of the most present mineral, potassium is between 0.7-1.50 g/l .
2. Other compounds
Talking about compounds present in red wine allows us to delve into biochemical matters, we have already mentioned the amount of vitamins and minerals that it has, so it can be considered a beneficial drink.
In this sense, red wine has 85% water , which makes it an excellent diuretic, and also has tartaric acid, responsible for pH.
Note: Red wine contains phenolic compounds, as well as pectins and amino acids, which are active agents in eliminating fat from the body, among other functions.
How much red wine to drink a day?
Thanks to scientific research and technological advances, today the compounds that red wine has are known, and the benefits it offers to the body, however we reiterate the call for its consumption in moderation.
Notable: According to research published by The Medical New Today “ people should stay within the official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, which define moderate drinking as: one glass of wine a day to women, two cups of wine for men ” . (7)
By virtue of the previously mentioned study, the consumption of one to two glasses of red wine a day is then established, as more than enough to enjoy all its properties and benefits for our health.
Key Findings
- Red wine, thanks to its anticoagulant capacity , improves cardiovascular and cerebral activities, as well as increasing good cholesterol in the blood.
- Red wine has an excellent bactericidal function , thus reducing the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity and urinary infections.
- The consumption of this liquor can considerably modulate the growth of intestinal probiotics , which benefits intestinal health.
- It prevents stress, anxiety and consequently depressive processes, in addition to improving cognitive processes, as long as only one drink a day is taken.
- It is important to make it very clear that excessive consumption of red wine can have harmful consequences for the body.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.