Wine has been a beloved drink accompaniment to meals for centuries. But, have you ever considered how it can benefit your health? In particular, red wine has been found to have surprising health benefits for your gut and more.
What Makes Red Wine Different from White Wine?
Red wine and white wine are produced from different grape varieties and fermentation processes. While white wine is fermented from white grapes with their skin removed, red wine is fermented from red grapes with their skin included.
It’s this difference that leads to the variance in color and flavors. Additionally, red wine is known for its strong presence of tannin and flavonoids, attributed to the skin of the grapes.
Red Wine and the Human Gut
Studies indicate that red wine can have a positive impact on your gut health. One particular instance was studied by researchers who gave study participants a single glass of red wine daily for a month.
They found that the gut bacteria benefited from the wine drinking habit. In particular, the wine had anti-inflammatory impacts on the digestive tract. This is significant, as an imbalance of gut bacteria can play a role in numerous physical and mental health issues.
Red Wine Consumption Linked to Digestive Health
An investigation into diet habits and associated health found that a moderate intake of wine goes hand-in-hand with a healthy lifestyle.
This is because wine, in particular red wine, contains a concentration of polyphenols, which can reduce the risk of gut inflammation. A moderate intake of red wine has also been found to boost the activity of the digestive system, aiding with digestion and the prevention of digestive issues.
Red Wine and the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
There’s an ingredient in red wine that’s incredibly beneficial for brain health: resveratrol. Resveratrol has been studied for many years for its role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s believed the compound has the ability to prevent Alzheimer’s in people who carry genetic mutations for the disease. Additionally, the compound has the potential to reduce the secretion of amyloid-beta, which is known to accumulate and create amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
Red Wine and the Prevention of Heart Disease
There’s no arguing that heart disease is a significant problem in the United States. Luckily, red wine could be a solution to this growing issue.
Red wine contains an essential compound called resveratrol, which has been found to support blood vessel health. The compound helps prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries, decreasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Red Wine and the Prevention of Blood Clots
Blood clots are a serious health condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Fortunately, regular consumption of red wine could decrease the risk of blood clots forming.
A study conducted in 2019 found that red wine has blood-thinning capabilities similar to aspirin. It’s this blood-thinning capability that could prevent blood clots from forming and ultimately reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Red Wine and Increased Longevity
It’s no secret that people who live in the Mediterranean tend to live long, healthy lives. A contributing factor to their remarkable health could be their love for red wine.
A study conducted in 2018 found that those over the age of 65 who drank moderate amounts of wine had a decreased risk of mortality compared to those who abstained from alcoholic beverages entirely.
Red Wine and Prediabetes
Red wine could be the answer to staving off prediabetes entirely.
A study involving individuals at a high risk of developing diabetes found that moderate red wine consumption was associated with a lowered prevalence of high blood glucose and type-2 diabetes. It’s the high concentrations of antioxidants found in red wine that likely prevented the onset of prediabetes.
Red Wine and Diabetes Prevention
People with diabetes tend to suffer from kidney problems, including kidney disease. Luckily, red wine can play a role in staving off the onset of kidney disease in diabetic individuals.
Research found that red wine intake was correlated with better kidney function in type-2 diabetes patients. The study’s findings suggest red wine’s anti-inflammatory properties play a significant role in improving kidney function.
The Bottom Line
Red wine has numerous health benefits for your gut and more. It’s a drink that is low in calories, high in antioxidants, and has a small amount of cholesterol.
When consumed in moderation, red wine can promote longevity, prevent the onset of heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, and prevent inflammation of the gut. So why not pour yourself a glass today?.