Benefits & Side Effects Of
Consuming Red Wine
Remember that there is a fine line between moderate and excessive drinking of alcohol. This can make all the difference. Excessive consumption of red wine can also be detrimental to health. On the flip side, too little of it will not provide you the desired benefits that are normally enjoyed by the moderate consumers of red wine.
10 Red Wine Benefits & Side Effects
Red wines vary in taste and color. They are typically prepared by crushing and fermenting whole and dark-colored grapes. Then there are many varieties of red wines. The most common of these are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz.
You need to know almost everything before consuming a red wine. Including what are the negative and positive effects it can have on your health. Here are the top 10 health benefits of consuming red wine.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Red wines are normally enriched with powerful antioxidants. Moreover, darker grape varieties are higher in antioxidants like epicatechin, catechin, proanthocyanidins, and resveratrol. Proanthocyanidins and resveratrol are mainly responsible for keeping the body healthy.
- Lowers Bad Cholesterol: Red wines are well known to lower the bad cholesterol in our body system. According to studies, the high-fiber Tempranillo red grape variety is the best. They are commonly used to make certain varieties of red wines like Rioja that are found to lower levels of bad cholesterol.
- Keeps Heart Healthy: Red wines not only regulates cholesterol levels but also keep our heart healthy. A certain type of antioxidant called polyphenols is present in red wines that prevent unwanted clotting by flexing the blood vessels. However, one should remember that heavy consumption of red wine can also damage the heart.
- Regulates Blood Sugar: Resveratrol is a natural compound found in grape skin. It is able to control blood sugar levels in diabetic persons. Research indicates that people who took 250 mg of resveratrol supplements every day for three months had lower glucose levels in their blood compared to others who did not. This specific antioxidant is also able to control cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure.
- Reduces the Risk of Cancer: Regular and moderate consumption of red wine can do wonders. It can adequately reduce the formation of certain types of cancers; including basal cell carcinoma, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate carcinoma. Scientists utilized a dose of resveratrol on human cancerous cells to ascertain. They found that it effectively obstructs a key action of a cancer-aiding protein.
- Helps Treat Common Cold: The antioxidants present in red wines can also be useful in treating common cold; Since these antioxidants protect cells against the harmful effects of free radicals. They have a strong role to play in the prevention of cancerous formation, colds, and other types of diseases.
- Keeps Sharp Memory: A sharp memory is essential to living, especially within the modern ambit of our lifestyle. Resveratrol present in red wine according to research inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid protein. It is a key ingredient in the formation of plaque in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s.
- Keeps Body Slim: It is gladdening to know that resveratrol also helps in keeping a check on body weight. The piceatannol chemical compound converted from resveratrol effectively reduces fat cells in our body. Moreover, according to research piceatannol fastens the insulin receptors of fat cells. Which in turn blocks the pathways required for immature fat cells to multiply.
- Reduces the Risk of Depression: A study carried out by researchers on middle-aged to elderly people showed that regular daily consumption of moderate amounts of red wine keeps away depression. It was found that individuals who drink red wine are less likely to be depressed in comparison to people who do not.
- Positive Effects on the Digestive System: The anti-bacterial nature of red wines enables our body to effectively treat stomach irritation and other digestive disorders as well. Regular red wine consumption has also proven to reduce the risk of infection from Helicobacter pylori. This especially is a bacterium that is usually found in the human stomach.
Side Effects of Red Wine
Red wine is likely safe for most adults when consumed orally and used in moderation. This amounts to about two 5-ounce glasses per day. However, drinking more than this is probably unsafe. Consuming larger amounts of red wine regularly can cause blackouts, drowsiness, trouble walking, and vomiting alongside other serious problems.
Moreover, excessive consumption of alcohol, including red wine can have a number of negative effects on the body. It can cause liver cirrhosis, weight gain, and various other health-related issues. This can also seriously pose a threat to your life.
This in no way means that you cannot indulge in drinking your favorite red wine once in a while. But remember that it should not exceed more than 1 to 1.5 glasses a day for women, and 1 to 2 glasses every day for men. Moreover, it is also advisable to skip wine for 1 or 2 days every now and then so that there are sufficient gaps in between. However, it should be your overall drinking limit and not for red wine alone.
FAQs
How long should you allow red wine to breathe?
Red wines should breathe for a minimum of 30 minutes if you want to get the most out of your wine and savor its distinctive character. However, bolder red wines should be poured out for up to an hour prior to serving.
What temperature is ideal for red wine to be served at?
The ideal temperature for red wines to be served is part of your individual experience. Moreover, it depends on the choice of red wine you are having. Light and crisp red wines should most likely be chilled and served between 12 to 13 degrees Celsius. While medium-bodied reds should be served at around 14 to 16 degrees Celsius. Fuller-bodied red wines should be consumed in warmer temperatures at around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius if you wish to experience the rounded flavors.
How long do red wines keep once the bottle is opened?
Red wines usually last from three to five days after they are opened. Once again this depends on the type of red wine. Tannins found in grape skins and stalks transferred into wine will usually be responsible for giving color to wine. And they aid in delaying the oxygenation process. Your wine will last longer depending upon the redness of the wine.
What types of red wine glasses are available?
You can come across red wine glasses of different shapes, sizes, and styles when you go shopping for kitchenware. However, they usually incorporate the same features. Including a circular base and slender stem. Nevertheless, the shape and width of the wine glass will impact the way in which your red wine will release certain flavors and aromas.
Which type of red wine is best?
This aspect is totally subjective. A great place to start can be to look for award-winning red wines. Another nice place to begin could be to identify the region where your favorite red wine comes from. Subsequently, you can look for that same grape variety from a different region. If you love a fruity Syrah from sunny California, then it is likely that you will also cherish a juicy Aussie Shiraz as well.
