The Amazing Health Benefits of Red Wine

If you gain insight to some of the cultures from around the world, and then analyze why they tend to enjoy the longest and healthiest lives - in many instances longevity of life can be attributed to red wine consumption. But let me rephrase that, by saying 'quality red wine' consumption.

Bearing in mind also, that that this doesn't mean stocking up on supplies and drinking them - as, excessive consumption may have a negative impact on your health (e.g. reduction in the restorative quality of sleep, blood pressure, gut problems, etc.).

Yes, its also not that uncommon either, for red wine to be recommended by cardiologists. But why all the fuss? My answer to this question is twofold. One being, that quality red wine contains a host of beneficial plant compounds that can help you to better deal with the effects of stress. And two, it can also provide you with some other amazing disease prevention and health benefits.

So, lets have a look at why red wine in moderation (e.g. 1-2 glasses per day) can produce many health benefits, and why.

Red Wine Health Benefits

There's many scientific studies surfacing that highlight that having a glass of red wine after a hard day really can relieve stress symptoms and anxiety. Published research studies also reveal that a small dose of 'Resveratrol' can help your body better deal with stress. What is reservetrol, I hear you ask...

In short, resveratrol is a chemical found in red wine, red grape skins, purple grape juice, mulberries, and in smaller amounts in peanuts.  It is also a part of a group of compounds called polyphenols that resides within the skin of red grapes and within most berries, and it acts as an antioxidant.

Scientists have found that reservatrol stimulates a specific stress-response protein (e.g. PARP-1) which then activates a number of genes that can help to repair DNA, and suppress tumor genes. Recent studies have shown that this medicinal compound may help reduce cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health, due to its blood-thinning capabilities, and even reduce the growth of skin melanomas.

Another amazing benefit of Resveratrol is its ability to exhibit antitumor activity, and medical experts have considered this compind as a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of several types of cancer. Indeed, subsequent studies have highlighted resveratrol anticancer properties and surfaced its added ability to inhibit all carcinogenesis stages (e.g., initiation, promotion and progression) [1]

Another major health benefits is 'longevity of life.'

Sinclair, a molecular biologist and part of a team of researchers from Harvard Medical School's department of pathology has found that resveratrol can extend the life span of yeast cells by 70 percent on average. According to Sinclair.

"Any life-span extension would be due to disease prevention an we cannot extend life unless we increase health."

Interestingly, a major Harvard study found that a glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away, and those who enjoy a tipple, but not too much, are less likely to be admitted to hospital than teetotalers. This study looked at 21,000 men and women in Italy and found that for moderate drinkers, when mixed with a typically Mediterranean diet, a small glass of wine (125ml) a day lowered the chance of needing medical treatment compared with heavier boozers or those that abstain. [2]

According to a study conducted by Harvard Health - Red wine is also good for the heart as it contains compounds thought to lower heart disease risk. [3]

What type of Red Wine is rated the best?

I think most people being working class would tend to look at the cheaper brands, which is understandable due to everyday life finances. In saying that, it is worthwhile if you can afford the more middle to upper range price brackets as they're generally of a higher quality and have a lower sugar content and fewer calories than other red wines. Plus, they help to balance the gut microbiome.

There's no doubt that due to the many label varieties and availability, your selection process may become overwhelming in terms of what your choice should be. However, you should also consider the 'type' of red wine also, and if possible try to select 'certified organic wine.' Which means the grapes that have been
grown without the use of preservatives (e.g. no use of artificial or synthetic chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides). 

In a study conducted by Naturapath and Clinical Nutritionist Dr. David Friedman, whom I should add also received a post-doctorate certification from Harvard Medical School, and acts as a Board Certified Alternative Medical Practitioner - he ranked wines by how healthy they are.

It may come of a surprise to you to learn that one red wine type that stands high above then all, and this type is 'Pinot Noir' - so this resides at the top of the red wine class. Pinot Noir has a higher resveratrol concentration (e.g.antioxidant compunds) than any other red wine.

'Malbec' wine is also high in polyphenols, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, and contains four times the antioxidant content as Merlot' and nearly twice as much as Cabernet Sauvignon'. Last on his list is Rosé . Dr. Friedman is also an international award-winning best-selling author publishing a book on how to eat in a world of fads and fiction. [4]  If you wish to read more, click this live link 'Food Sanity'  

In concluding, studies are reinforcing that red wine (rich in resveratrol) can help you stress less and live longer if you limit yourself to daily moderate amounts. Neuroscience and neurobiology professor Dr. Claudia Kawas of the University of California, told the British newspaper The Independent...[5]

“I have no explanation for it, but I do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity”

References
1. Salehi, B., et.al. (2018 ). 'Resveratrol: A double-edged sword in health benefits'. Biomedicines. Article Vol. 6 (3), p.91.
Published 18 September, 2018. Cited onlone at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164842/

2. Murphy, B. Jnr. (2018). 'A massive new Harvard Study of 21,000 People says drinking 1 Glass of wine each day leads to this surprising senefit' Article published in Inc. December 14, 2018.

3. Harvard Health Publishing (2018).'Grape expectations: Is red wine good for your heart?.'  Harvard Medical School blog article cited online at https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/grape-expectations-is-red-wine-good-for-your-heart. February 2018.

4. Friedman, D. (2020). 'Wines ranked by how healthy they are.' Health Blog. Article cited online at https://www. doctordavid friedman.com /blog/wines-ranked-by-how-healthy-they-are.

5. C. Kawas (2018). 'Drinking small amounts of alcohol may help you live to over 90, claims study'. Article cited online at https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/alcohol-small-amounts-live-over-90-study-health-university-california-wine-beer-a8217521.html. 9 February, 2018.

Images                                                                                                                                                                                                     1. Pexels-skitterphoto;  2. Pexels - Adrianna Calvo;  3. Pexels - Elle Hughes