Is Red Wine Good For You?

That’s the entire deal, isn’t it? Oh yes, overconsumption is hazardous. It can wreck your life and make you wonder why you even had that first sip.

But red wine, in moderation, has benefits.

Benefits. Hard to associate the term with wine, isn’t it? Well – not anymore. Consuming red wine (in moderation, remember) can cut the risk of dementia. It can even prevent liver disease and offer protection against cancer (prostate cancer, especially).

There are so many other benefits. Really.

And we will look at all of them. But before that, if you are against wine consumption (for any reason) but still want the benefits this wine offers, you have good news.

A red wine pill. Popping a pill can help you receive the benefits of resveratrol without having to uncork a single bottle. Taking a red wine pill can also help you avoid all the empty calories and sugars that come with red wine.

Before we head to the benefits, we want to make one thing very clear.

What Are The Benefits Of Red Wine For Health?

Check out some of the best health benefits of red wine.

1. Boosts Heart Health

The antioxidants in red wine can increase the levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). This prevents cholesterol build-up, preventing heart disease. The polyphenols in red wine, especially resveratrol, can protect the linings of the blood vessels in your heart. Resveratrol has been found to reduce blood clots. Though more research is required, the possibilities are promising.

Resveratrol in red wine can also prevent immature fat cells from maturing. It can also activate a protein called sirtuin 1, which protects the heart from inflammation.

According to another study by the Israel Institute of Technology, red wine can enhance the health of the cells in the blood vessels. As per the report, regular (and moderate) red wine consumption for 21 days can significantly enhance vascular endothelial function. But, we want to stress again, moderation is the key. And in no way do we want to promote alcohol. A glass of wine here and there is okay. Or if you are going out on the weekend and having a few drinks with dinner. But practice moderation.

Red wine also dilates the arteries. And in terms of the health benefits, two glasses of red wine are the same as five liters of fruit juice. But if you are someone with an alcohol problem, red wine is not the way to go about it.

As per another Indian study, quercetin, another red wine polyphenol, exhibits cardioprotective properties. The wine was also found to promote the regression of blood pressure. Wine drinkers were also found to have higher levels of good cholesterol than their counterparts. The study concludes that red wine, as a diet supplement, can be beneficial for the heart. But mind you, only as a diet supplement.

Another American study states that resveratrol in red wine can prevent the age-related decline in cardiovascular function. And as per another Italian study, though red wine has its benefits, we don’t know its effects on nondrinkers. Hence, this post doesn’t ask nondrinkers to start taking red wine to get its benefits, but asks heavy drinkers to limit its intake to obtain its benefits. And nondrinkers can get their share of resveratrol through grapes as well.

Talking about the healthy dosage, men can limit their consumption to 1 to 2 drinks a day. And women can limit themselves to 1 drink a day. This is on the higher end, by the way. One ‘drink’ equals 118 ml of wine, or 355 ml of beer, or 44 ml of 80-proof spirits, or 30 ml of 100-proof spirits.

And if you are looking for a wine that is healthiest for the heart, go for Pinot Noir – the grapes grown for this red wine come from wet and cold environments. This means, the healthiest parts of the fruit are kept the freshest.

Though we know moderate red wine consumption can prevent heart disease, what we don’t know is if it can reverse an existing condition. We require more research in that aspect.

2. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

In addition to raising good cholesterol levels, the resveratrol in red wine can also lower the levels of bad cholesterol. But according to the National Cholesterol Education Program, lowering the consumption of trans fat and getting exercise every day could be better ways of keeping your cholesterol levels in check.

Red wine can help if you have dark meat. It prevents the release of harmful compounds in dark meat that could raise cholesterol levels. And as per a Brazilian study, red wine might help prevent plaque formation, which is a direct consequence of increased cholesterol.

Not only does red wine increase good cholesterol, but it also makes the particles bigger. Big and fluffy versions of HDL are great news for the heart.

3. Helps Fight Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, drinking red wine can lower your blood sugar for up to 24 hours. But that aside, there is some research that shows how red wine can help diabetics.

As per a recent study, moderate red wine consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. But apart from moderation, what diabetics (the ones on medication, especially) must also consider is the time of day when they consume the wine.

More interestingly, as per a study, people who consumed wine three to four times a week were 30% less likely to develop diabetes than those who drank less than once a week. The credit could be given to the polyphenols in red wine, which may help manage blood sugar levels. However, the doctors involved in the study don’t recommend their patients to start drinking just to reduce the risk of diabetes. One must also know that different types of alcohol can have different effects on blood sugar levels. For example, beer can raise blood sugar while hard drinks can dangerously lower the levels.

It is important to take your diabetes case seriously because the statistics are alarming. According to the WHO reports, the number of diabetes patients has increased rapidly – from 108 million registered cases in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Diabetes can also cause stroke, kidney failure, heart disease, and lower limb amputation.  

Another study has confirmed that taking a glass of red wine every night might cut the risk of diabetes. It suggests that the non-alcoholic constituents of red wine could be given credit for its antidiabetic properties. And as per another Ukraine study conducted on diabetic rats, red wine and its polyphenols show great promise in treating and even preventing diabetes. Tannic acid, one of the non-alcoholic compounds in red wine, can also aid in diabetes treatment.

Red wine is one of the richest dietary sources of resveratrol, which, as per a study, can improve the health of diabetics’ arteries.

If you are in a dilemma as to take red wine or white wine for diabetes treatment, here goes your answer – in one study, red wine could inhibit the activity of alpha-glucosidase (an enzyme that triggers the absorption of glucose by the small intestine) by nearly 100 percent, while white wine could achieve so by only as much as 20 percent. Red wine also contains 10 times more polyphenols than white wine, which could be responsible for this desirable effect.

Red wine also contains 13 times more resveratrol than white wine (because red wine ferments for a longer time with the grape skins). Research shows that the post-meal spike in sugar levels is one of the biggest reasons for inflammation, which often leads to diabetes. But if you have a glass of red wine with your evening meal, your blood sugar levels would be about 30% lower than if you hadn’t taken the wine.

But it is important to consider the words of Dr. Emily Burns, Head of Research Communications at Diabetes UK, who says that although the studies are interesting, the results should not be seen as a green light to drink lots of alcohol.

4. Fights Cancer

According to a report by the University of Rochester Medical Center, resveratrol in red wine can destroy pancreatic cancer cells. The antioxidant achieves this by crippling the function of the cells’ core energy source (also called the mitochondria).

In fact, the importance of red wine during cancer treatment is so much that doctors wouldn’t advise the patient to give up on red wine if (s)he is already taking it (in moderation, obviously). Research suggests resveratrol not only destroys the malignant cells but also protects the normal tissue from the detrimental effects of radiation.

More interestingly, pancreatic cells are particularly resistant to chemotherapy. This is because the organ usually pumps powerful digestive enzymes into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine right behind the stomach). This natural pumping process of the pancreas can even rid the needed chemotherapy from cells. But what’s fascinating is that resveratrol in red wine can also reduce the power available to pump chemotherapy out of the cell.

Research has also revealed that individuals who take at least a glass of red wine a week are less likely to suffer from bowel cancer than non-drinkers or drinkers of spirits or beer.

Resveratrol also makes the cancer cells more sensitive by obstructing the proteins that otherwise inhibit chemotherapy treatment. And the concentration of resveratrol in red wine can be as high as 30 micrograms/ml.

As per a Chinese study, red wine polyphenols can also inhibit the proliferation of colon cancer cells. The wine was also found to be better than white wine in breast cancer treatment. Apart from resveratrol, another compound called myricetin in red wine gives it its cancer-preventive properties. And in mice studies, red wine polyphenols were found to delay the onset of tumors. Another Spanish study suggests that red wine is negatively associated with the development of lung cancer – although further research is warranted.

One report published by Harvard Medical School emphasizes on the possibility of red wine preventing prostate cancer. Men who consume moderate amounts of red wine are only half as likely to suffer from prostate cancer than those who don’t drink it at all. Researchers assume that the resveratrol in the beverage might work against the male hormones that stimulate the prostate gland. Red wine can also lower the risk of certain advanced and aggressive cancers by as much as 60 percent.

And as per researchers from the University of Colorado, if you are going to drink alcohol, choose red wine.

But there’s some contradictory evidence too – which is as important. One report states that red wine can, conversely, increase cancer risk. This could be attributed to the alcoholic content in the wine. So we recommend you take your doctor’s advice at least in this aspect – as cancer is not an everyday ailment that we can take a chance at. Also, to reduce the ill effects of alcohol, you can add a low-calorie mixer to your drink or have a glass of water in between each drink. Of course, the best way is to practice moderation or to quit altogether.

5. Prevents Obesity

Research says that resveratrol in red wine can convert the bad fat into calorie-burning brown fat. And diets containing the antioxidant can help combat obesity. Resveratrol enhances the oxidation of dietary fats and prevents the body from getting overloaded. It converts white fat into brown fat (also called beige fat) that burns off as heat – thereby preventing obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

But it is important to note that certain wine brands, especially merlot and cabernet sauvignon, contain a fraction of resveratrol that is found in grapes. This is because most of the beneficial polyphenols are insoluble and filtered out during the winemaking process. Though this may not be the case with all brands of red wine, it is important to inquire into the winemaking process from the seller. A little extra knowledge can help.

Red wine consumption can also reduce the damaging effects of smoking. It can reduce inflammation and the aging process in cells (triggered by an enzyme called telomerase), which usually accelerates post smoking.

As per another Spanish study, the polyphenols in red wine modulate the gut microbiota and help prevent metabolic diseases in obese individuals. These polyphenols can also prevent cardiac ailments associated with obesity.

According to a report by Purdue University, resveratrol gets converted into piceatannol post consumption. Piceatannol alters the way adipogenesis (the process where fat cells in the early stage become mature) happens – which means, the compound can delay or even inhibit adipogenesis (45). Piceatannol is also found in the skins of red grapes and their seeds, blueberries, and passion fruit.

But allow us to stress this again – M-O-D-E-R-A-T-I-O-N. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the calories and alcohol in red wine can promote weight gain and increase disease risk if taken in large amounts over the long term. They can cause cancer as well. Hence, limit consumption to 1 drink or less for women and 2 drinks or less for men. Per day.

6. Prevents High Blood Pressure And Stroke

One report by the Harvard Medical School recommends non-alcoholic red wine over the regular variety. The wine protects against artery damage, consequently lowering blood pressure. Also, consuming non-alcoholic red wine can elevate nitric oxide levels in your blood. This is good news as nitric oxide relaxes the walls of the blood vessels, encouraging better blood flow. However, regular exercise and a proper diet are the best options on any given day.

Spanish researchers also say that the alcohol in red wine weakens its ability to lower blood pressure . So, non-alcoholic red wine could be the way to go.

Red wine can also reduce blood pressure by lowering stress. Stress can elevate your blood pressure levels, but a serving of red wine at night can help you relax.

A small glass of wine per day was also found to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke by 10 percent. Anything beyond that amount could be problematic – as alcohol can elevate blood pressure levels, causing stroke.

Resveratrol in red wine can also prompt the brain cells to defend themselves from free radicals, thereby preventing stroke. But more research is required – as not all types of red wine contain the same amounts of resveratrol. But otherwise, if you choose to drink, let red wine be the first choice – as it can protect the brain.

But again, we have contradictory evidence here – another set of researchers say that the blood pressure effects of red wine are the same as beer. And removing alcohol from red wine may not make a big difference. As per researchers, it’s a delicate balance. Men must drink less than 2 drinks per day; and women, not more than 1. Alcohol, when taken in moderation, can decrease the risk of blood clots – which might otherwise cause strokes. But yes, you got it – moderation is key.

In yet another study, it was found that red wine polyphenols didn’t lower blood pressure levels. The drink may not even have positive effects on hypertension. And another Australian study suggests that red wine might elevate blood pressure levels in normotensive men.

7. Promotes Longevity

Research done by French scientists reveals that resveratrol in red wine can increase lifespan by as much as 60%. The antioxidant could also provide higher energy levels. Though the tests have been conducted on worms, researchers believe similar effects can be seen in humans. Resveratrol might activate an evolutionary stress response in human cells that might enhance longevity.

The antioxidant is found in some berries, grapes, peanuts, and cacao beans – it is produced in these plants as a response to stress. It is a naturally occurring phytoalexin (also called defender of the plant) that is produced in response to mechanical trauma (like an injury), ultraviolet light, or infection by fungi – it provides a means for defense. Research suggests that it can work similarly in humans as well.

An Italian study says that wine can increase lifespan by inducing longevity genes. And according to the Stanford Center on Longevity, resveratrol in red wine can protect our neurons from the undesirable effects of aging. However, the amount of resveratrol that you can get from red wine is quite small compared to that in a pill. If you should get a comparable amount of resveratrol from wine alone, you might have to drink 600 bottles of red wine per day. And that’s certainly not a good idea, right?

8. Reduces Stress

And yes, it is resveratrol again. This compound in red wine stimulates a particular protein that activates certain genes that repair DNA, suppresses the tumor genes, and promotes longevity genes. Basically, what we mean to say is a glass of red wine a day can help you stress less. The best way to achieve this is to have a glass of wine along with your dinner, and not right before sleep – this can have a calming effect on you without disturbing your sleep cycle.

But the stress-relieving effects of red wine are not applicable to pregnant women. Women who are expecting do undergo a lot of stress – and drinking red wine is not the best option to combat it. Alcohol, in any form, can be detrimental to the baby.

Comfort foods like cookies sure can relieve stress, but the downside is you crash. Fruits and vegetables, and red wine, of course, relieve stress and also offer antioxidants that can be beneficial.

9. Improves Bone Strength

One study published in the Oxford Academic Journal has revealed that resveratrol in red wine can improve spinal bone density in men suffering from metabolic syndrome (62). The study suggests that resveratrol positively affects the bone by stimulating formation or mineralization. The compound also has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent bone loss. It stimulates bone-forming cells in the body.

One or two glasses of wine can work as good as drugs to protect older women from thinning bones. Moderate alcohol intake post menopause was found to maintain bone strength in the later years. More interestingly, the imbalance between the dissolving of an old bone and production of a new bone is what causes osteoporosis in older women – and alcohol, when consumed in moderation, remedies this imbalance. Nevertheless, the National Osteoporosis Society warns against drinking more alcohol to protect the bones. Excessive alcohol can increase the risk of fractures.

10. Reduces The Risk Of Cataracts

As per studies, resveratrol and other antioxidants in red wine can help prevent blindness. In another study by the Washington University School of Medicine, resveratrol in the wine prevents the out-of-control growth of the blood vessels in the eye. It also prevents diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Resveratrol might also reduce the risk of cataracts by increasing the levels of glutathione in your system.

As per other studies, grapes (and wine coming from them), green or red or black, can act as a magic bullet in the fight against cataracts.

It is really impressive that red wine contains so many benefits, if you are looking to get the best wine to pamper yourself then liquor store in Avon, Colorado are the experts with years of knowledge about the quality and standards of wine.