Are There Really Any Health Benefits of Red Wine?

Sitting down to dinner with a glass of red wine is a great way to unwind.

It has been thought for years that one can enjoy health benefits of red wine, but is it actually true? Many recent studies suggest compounds found in red wine do provide health benefits! But just as mom use to say, “Everything in moderation”. Researchers have taken particular interest in an antioxidant found in red wine called resveratrol, which has been linked to heart and brain health.

Resveratrol and the Heart

Resveratrol is an antioxidant which occurs naturally in plant products such as grapes, cocoa, and green tea. The plant produces resveratrol as an antimicrobial compound in order to protect itself in hardy environments. In humans, the compound has a unique ability to dilate the blood vessels, resulting in a decreased risk of blood clotting, obesity, diabetes, and actually lowering bad cholesterol. The infamous French paradox is an argument for many; although the French consume larger amounts of butter, cheese, and other saturated fats relative to other developed countries. The paradox is as follows: French experience much lower occurrences of heart attacks, coronary disease, while enjoying slimmer waists as a country overall. Many attribute this to their frequent consumption of red wine, a theory consistent with many studies of resveratrol. Other health benefits of red wine is the stimulated production of the disease blocking serum known as SIRT1, which is activated by resveratrol.

Resveratrol and the Brain

John Hopkins University completed a study on resveratrol and concluded that the chemical may be a key factor in protecting the brain during a stroke. It does so by elevating certain enzyme levels in the brain, the result of the elevated enzyme levels is a greater resistance particularly to ischemic stroke (the most common type of stroke). Important health benefits of red wine is the ability of its phenolic compounds to defend the brain against brain cell death and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In fact, an article by The Doctors Health Press noted that studies are beginning to show a greater resistance to these diseases in people who drink light to moderate amounts of red wine.

These studies should not be taken as an invitation to consume large amounts of red wine, but rather to give some insight on the potential health benefits of red wine. At Julio’s Liquors you will find a large variety of red wines and a wide range of prices. So, whether you’re into a traditional Pinot Noir or an exotic Sangiovese, Julio’s has you covered. Visit us on Route 9 in Westborough, MA today!

Would you be willing to deviate from your go-to red wine and try something new?