We will often come across people who like to have a glass or two of red wine with their meals. However, do you ever wonder if the same is good for consumption or not? When it comes to the best red wine for your health, the possibilities are multiple.
There have been several conducted studies to account the varying health benefits of red wine. While some point towards the positive aspect of it, there are some that point out a few downsides. However, on the positive side, it is beneficial to understand consuming red wine now affects overall health and well being.
Not every single one of the red wine that you taste and come across has the same way of production. This is why it is necessary that you drink the best to boost your health and not do the complete opposite. Some red wines have unique chemical compounds, and there are some who undergo a more extensive fermentation process. The process makes the taste a bit edgier and lasting on your palate.
Today, we are going to be walking ourselves through the common grounds of why red wine is beneficial for your health. Added to this, we will also talk about the best kinds of red wine you should add to your cellar for churning the maximum health benefits.
Table of Contents
Elements that make red wines good for health
This question has been considered as folklore by many, but if you are someone who likes their red wine with their meals, let’s clarify this. The glass that you just chugged down with the pasta dish will actually do you good than worse. You must be wondering why right? It has a fantastic combination of phytonutrients and other kinds of plant chemicals that contribute to helping you feel better – both physically and mentally.
So, what does the red wine contain that make them beneficial for the health?
Antioxidants
Free radicals in our body are necessary for conducting many body functions. When the levels of the free radicals become excess, the problem starts. Free radicals have the capability of attacking and destroying the healthy cells. It further causes free radical damage and oxidative stress.
The red comes with essential antioxidants which actually have beneficial impacts in combating free radical damage and oxidative stress.
Often, these free radicals cause chain reactions in the body that lead to the formation of tumors and eventually cancer. The antioxidants in the red wine stop that process and create an intervention.
It prevents the harmful cell interactions and keeps the healthy cell intact. Red wine has effective antioxidants like tannins, resveratrol, and thiols which protect the body.
Flavonoids
Talking about antioxidants, we definitely can’t miss out talking about the amazing benefits of the flavonoids present in the red wine. These are mainly the seeds and the skins of the grapes. Apart from resveratrol, some other flavonoids present in the red wine include anthocyanins, catechins, and quercetin. These are actually quite beneficial in boosting the body functions by preventing the oxidation of the atoms in the body. These atoms even possess the capability of inducing risks of cancer.
Polyphenols
Another reason why red wine marks as an essential and useful drink for humans is because of the polyphenols present in it. Much like the antioxidants and the flavonoids, even this has positive impacts on the body. It helps reducing inflammation and even the risks of cancer. Not just that, they also work in boosting the arterial function. It helps in the lowering of cholesterol levels in the body which reduces the risks of heart diseases.
Health benefits associated with Red wine?
Now that we have talked about the factors that positively impact the body and induce better health, let’s move ahead. It is time we discuss how the red wine influences our health and overall well being for the better.
Improves cardiovascular health
Our heart is the most important of all the organs. This organ helps in the overall well being of our body. Any kind of negative impact on the heart can slow down the whole body function. In case it gets severe than can even induce death.
The red wine is quite beneficial in combating the risks of cardiovascular diseases, mainly because of the presence of polyphenols and antioxidants in the drink. If you are someone who suffers from high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol, consuming red wine can keep the levels of these problems in check. It also prevents the risks that are often associated with the uncontrolled levels.
The flavonoids quercetin, which is found in abundant quantities in the red wine is quite impactful in regulating the levels of the blood pressure. It keeps them in check to prevent risks of stroke, cardiac arrest or even the artery blockage. These antioxidants help relieve the stress on the cells and ensure a proper and smooth flow of blood throughout the body.
Regulates the blood glucose levels
Diabetes and rise in the blood sugar levels are quite common in some people. While diabetes is often either contracted from heredity or sometimes because of the kind of lifestyle that we lead. However, if you are opting for the healthy red wine brands, the chances are that the same will help in regulating the blood sugar levels.
It is the resveratrol which is found in vivid quantity in the red wine that imposes beneficial impacts in preventing the condition of insulin resistance. This is often the basis of the induction of Type-II diabetes. Not just that, it also helps combat the metabolic disorders that are associated with the problem.
It has been witnessed that people with Type-II diabetes have heightened risks of developing other forms of diseases associated with the cardiovascular system. This is why it is best advised to sip red wine occasionally to boost your health.
Prevents chronic inflammation
Inflammation in the body, especially inside the body is often unnatural and can have some negative impacts on the overall functioning of the body. For the most part, chronic inflammation can often induce many diseases. It can range from that of auto-immune diseases to something associated with the GI tract or even with the condition of arthritis.
The antioxidants present in the red wine also possess beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in getting rid of the inflammation caused by the body. Not only that, but it also helps in boosting the body’s natural immune response. To be more precise, it aids in the proper functioning of the body and also to prevent the destruction of the healthy cells because of oxidative stress.
Maintains healthy weight
Now, this is definitely something that not many people are going to believe, but the same is quite true and beneficial. Red wine contains a unique compound, piceatannol, which is associated with the ability to stop the fat cells from growing and generating right in the early stages itself.
Prevents the risk of cancer
The abundant presence of antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols have a combined benefit. These antioxidants prevent the process of oxidation of the atoms and thus avoid the chain reaction between the cells that often end up causing tumors and induce cancer. Not just that, red wine also contains beneficial anti-inflammatory compounds which prevent the presence and induction of any form of inflammation in the body. Thus, further preventing the risks associated with cancer.
Boosts cognitive function
Not just good for the cardiovascular functions, they are also loaded with a beneficial compound. All these together impact in boosting one’s overall cognitive functions. Red wine contains helpful neuroprotective benefits which are often linked with better mental acuity and other kinds of diseases associated with one’s overall cognitive abilities.
There have been conducted studies which have time and again emphasized on how a healthy diet along with the consumption of red wine can boost the overall cognitive abilities of an individual. It is quite beneficial for treating the conditions associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.
The Best Red Wine For Your Health: Types
This is the part that majority of the readers must have been waiting for. If you are choosing the best brand of red wine for your heart or even just a bottle of the best red to accompany you to a party; there are a few variants of red wine that you can indulge in to boost your overall health and well being.
Madiran
This is one of the rustic kind of red wine that has a very cut and edgy taste and aroma to it. This wine originated from the southern part of France, and that is where it gets its name from. It is made from the Tannat variety grapes and is primarily cultivated in Argentina and Uruguay. These are the places where the climate is quite chill and has cooler mountain temperatures.
This variant of red wine is predominantly loaded with Procyanidins which has amazing impacts on the proper and seamless functioning of the blood vessels. It often has an impactful outcome on the overall aspects of heart health of an individual.
In comparison to the other variants of red wines, this does have a more time taking fermentation process. This is the main element that contributes to the overall heightened levels of Procyanidins. Even wine connoisseur is believed to have their fair stock of Madiran in their wine cellar.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Just as fancy as the name suggests, it is quite a rich red wine that has an earthy and dense flavor and aftertaste to it. It is believed to be the most planted grape around the world. The purchasing, as well as the planting popularity, has coincided with the process of an outtake. It is mainly because of the amazing range of health benefits that it possesses.
They have a very distinct aroma to them, mainly because of the presence of a wide range of flavonoids. These are what help in boosting cardiovascular health and prevents any form of arterial damage. In general, it keeps the heart from or blockage that often concerns the health. Not just that, it also helps boost the production of the amyloid precursor which helps to boost the overall neural functions.
Also, if you have been sourcing best red wine for health, opting for this is actually quite good. It helps to boost oral health by imposing antimicrobial properties on the cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Malbec
Malbec grapes are possibly one of the most common and the healthiest amidst the class of red wines. The main reason behind the same is because the grapes contain the thickest skin amidst all the grape wine categories. This signifies that they are loaded with resveratrol antioxidant which imposes beneficial impacts on one’s overall health, especially cardiovascular health.
If statistics and reports are to be considered, Malbec grapes contain 4 times more antioxidant quantity. It is quite more in comparison to the other grape variants. These grapes, are cultivated in Argentina and Chile. Because the weather condition is unique which helps combine the warm Pacific Ocean air with ideal temperature and moisture patterns.
The soil that the Malbec grapes are grown in is sulfate free soil. The soil is the reason that of it fantastic taste and the healthiness of the red wine.
When it comes to the taste, Malbec has a very smooth taste of a mixture of black cherry and blackberry flavor with a very darker appearance. If you want to source the best Malbecs, the South American invigoration is where you need to be in.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a very commonly drank red wine around the world. It is famous for its sharp mix of flavours resembling like that of plums, berries, and almonds. It does have high acidity and is famous as one of the most versatile red wines because it is easy to pair with any kind of meal.
If you go to a dinner party, you are most likely to drink Pinot Noir. It is because it complements the dishes quite well. They contain a healthy dose of the antioxidants like anthocyanins and procyanidins which have phytosterols like property. This property helps in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body and boost the presence of HDL. HDL reduces the levels of free cholesterol in the body, thus preventing the risks of atherosclerosis and other heart diseases.
It is rich in resveratrol, 4 ounces of Pinot Noir containing around 640 mg of the antioxidant. Not just the high concentration of antioxidants, it is also low in sugar levels. All these make it an amazing option for the diabetes patients. If you are conscious about your sugar intake, you too can opt for it.
Barbera
Barbera is one of the less popular red wines from the country of Italy. It is a regional delicacy and is famous around for its wide range of health benefits that it pertains.
The berries and grapes used in the manufacturing of the Barbera wine have a slightly more acidic tinge to its taste. This is why it is best advised to age them in oak barrels to soften the excessive acidity. It helps to bring about a sweeter aftertaste to it. The excess time taken in the aging process makes it popular as one of the healthiest red wines. Also, because of the heightened levels of antioxidants and flavonoids in them.
It contains a heightened level of Resveratrol. Resveratrol is great for the consumption for people suffering from heart diseases. It is also good for those who have complaints about high blood pressure. The soil that the Barbera is cultivated on is also a contributing factor to the quality of the wine. This is the reason why it is beneficial for overall health. The soil has high calcareous properties which help retain the essential nutrients. The same property helps to keep the antioxidants inside the fruit. Thus, it helps in providing with concentrated flavor and benefits as well.
Petite Sirah
Just as rich as the name suggests, the taste has a unique depth to it. It is the shirahs who blend in an interesting mix of fruity sweetness to the red wine along with the addition of peppery currants. They have a very unique taste to it which leaves behind an aftertaste on the palate.
Not just the taste aspect of it, these are also loaded with tannins. This is what makes it an amazing red wine for health as well. The combination of beneficial antioxidant properties from the tannins and the other kinds of antioxidants impact the overall functioning of the body. It mainly boosts the cardiovascular health of an individual.
This variant of red wine is often quite easily accessible and is cheap for your pocket too. So, it is no wonder that it is one of a very favored kind of red wine in the market
How much red wine consumption is permissible?
After having all the essential info and the best type of red wines that are good for your health, here is the most important question of all. How much red wine consumption is permissible?
Now, just because red wine is good for you doesn’t mean you drink that like there’s no tomorrow. That is where the majority of the people go wrong and end up doing worse than good to their body.
How much red wine is good for you? How much red wine is too much red wine?
For the most part, experts and doctors suggest that the daily consumption of red wine should not exceed the limit. It should be within four to five ounces in a day. If you want to drink in limits, the best way to do so is by drinking out of a bell-shaped wine glass.
Now, there are actually some differences to the level of consumption when it comes to men and women separately. Men tend to have a higher level of metabolic enzymes which help break down the alcohol in the body easily. Women, on the other hand, tend to have a lower concentration of the same. This is why four to five ounces of red wine is recommended for women, whereas for men it can range up to ten ounces.
Balance is the key when it comes to consuming red wine. Make sure to know that you can often end up reversing the useful benefits of the wine with something worse if the level of consumption surpasses the permissible quantity.
When it comes to choosing the best red wine for health, there are a lot of options. This makes it necessary to be cautious about the wine you are consuming.
If you are consuming red wine to boost your health, keep an eye out on the amount. It also has an impact on the overall aspect of health and well being.
