Benefits of Organic Red Wine

Prevent eye diseases

Given what we know about the role of antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, it’s no secret that they are foundational to protecting our eyes from pathologies.

A core pillar of research on the pathogenesis of eye diseases, like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, has been on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). (RGCs are neurons that transmit information from the eye to the brain.)

Researchers found that resveratrol plays a key role in preventing RGC death and boosting mitochondrial biogenesis. Another study found that resveratrol helps prevent light-induced retinal damage and RGC death.

Similarly, quercetin is known to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are highly correlated to the development of eye diseases.

Supports Cardiovascular Health

For some time, researchers sought answers on how to improve heart health by studying the relationship between serum total cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. In recent years, researchers have shifted their focus to oxidative stress, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, including heart disease. As mentioned before, polyphenols have proven to be effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing free radical damage, both of which are associated with cardiovascular disease. Researchers have confirmed as much; red wine, because it contains polyphenol antioxidants, can protect the heart.

Another study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Disease research reported that drinking red wine can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries. The Journal of Molecular Medicine also studied the effect of red wine on atherosclerosis and yielded some interesting results. They also found that those with small to moderate red wine intake had a decreased mortality rate due to heart disease. However, people who drink excessive amounts of red wine, or those who didn’t drink any red wine, had a higher risk of dying from cardiac disease.

Other studies:

• This study found that resveratrol protects the heart from stroke damage, cholesterol accumulation, and improves blood circulation and overall vascular health.
• This study found that quercetin is effective at regulating blood pressure and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

Fosters a Healthy Microbiome

Genetic, environmental, and dietary factors all contribute to the makeup of gut microbiota. There is a substantial body of evidence that shows polyphenols maintain gut health and promote its microbial balance by stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria (such as Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes) and suppressing pathogenic bacteria.

It is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt the microbial balance in the gut. So it is important to not drink excessive amounts of red wine, or else the cons may outweigh the benefits.

Regulates blood sugar levels and diabetes

Researchers found that moderate amount of red wine consumption may inhibit enzymes that facilitate glucose absorption. This slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which reduces and prevents blood sugar spikes in diabetic patients.

Protects against oxidative stress

In a study published in the International Journal of Biomedical Science, researchers found that antioxidants support our immune system and reduce our risk of developing many degenerative and chronic diseases. This is due, in part, to its role in preventing and repairing oxidative stress damage.

Oxidative stress is known to play a role in a long list of serious chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, Parkinson’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. The antioxidants within red wine support a number of metabolic processes in the body and counteract oxidative stress damage by scavenging for free radicals and repairing cellular tissues.

Prevents cognitive decline

In one study, researchers found that the resveratrol in red wine has neuroprotective properties and can protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. They also found that it plays a role in preventing the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque, which can be found in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients.

As already mentioned, the antioxidants in red wine also reduce free radical damage and inflammation, both of which commonly underpin cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

How to Choose a Healthy Wine

The polyphenols and live cultures can make red wine a healthy drink choice. However, not all wines are created healthfully. Conventional wines commonly contain pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, GMO ingredients, high amounts of sulfites, and other artificial additives. Not to mention, they are typically farmed unsustainably.

Red wine or white wine?

The high polyphenol levels in red wine make it a better regulator of glucose levels than white wine. Red wine has nearly 1000 percent more polyphenols and inhibited glucose absorption enzymes 5 times more than white wine.

Healthy Wine Checklist:

• Organically and biodynamically farmed means that the crop is grown without pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other dangerous chemicals.
• Dry farmed means the way was grown with natural rainfall. Dry farmed plants grow up to 50 ft deeper than irrigated plants, which allows the crop to grow in nutrient-rich soil in an environmentally friendly way.
• No artificial additives. The FDA approves 76 wine additives without requiring them to be put on the label. These include toxic metals, chemicals, sweeteners, and artificial colors.
• No added sugars or carbs. Natural and organic red wines are friendly to those on a ketogenic, paleo, or a low-carb diet.
• Low alcohol means the alcohol percentage is 12.5% or lower.
• Low in sulfites. Natural wine should be 75 ppm or lower. High sulfite wines kill healthy bacteria in the wine.
• Non-GMO ingredients. For example, yeast is a common GMO ingredient that is used in conventional wines.

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Biology of a Hangover: Congeners

Different types of alcohol can result in different hangover symptoms. This is because some types of alcoholic drinks have a higher concentration of congeners, byproducts of fermentation in some alcohol.

The greatest amounts of these toxins are found in red wine and dark liquors such as bourbon, brandy, whiskey and tequila. White wine and clear liquors such as rum, vodka and gin have fewer congeners and therefore cause less frequent and less severe hangovers. In one study, 33 percent of those who drank an amount of bourbon relative to their body weight reported severe hangover, compared to 3 percent of those who drank the same amount of vodka.

Because different alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, liquor) have different congeners, combining the various impurities can result in particularly severe hangover symptoms. Additionally, the carbonation in beer actually speeds up the absorption of alcohol. As a result, following beer with liquor gives the body even less time than usual to process

Do you know about the secret ingredient in red wine? Resveratrol can help support normal cholesterol and combat obesity and much more! In fact, a study recently suggested it can even reduce heart disease by limiting the “formation of inflammatory factors”—possibly slowing it down before it becomes a problem. Don’t think resveratrol will make you instantly healthy, and always make sure you get all the heart-healthy benefits by exercising (not while drinking, of course).

Surprising Benefits of Red Wine

Red wine is a powerful food that, in moderation, could provide numerous health benefits. Here are 4 surprising health benefits of red wine.

1. FIGHTS CAVITIES

Just about all of us would agree that good dental health is a priority. While many communities still fluoridate water for dental health, the effects are limited and also potentially harmful. So it’s great to hear that a little red wine could have the same effect. A new study even suggested it could even help fight cavities by preventing bacterial growth.

2. MAKES YOU MORE ATTRACTIVE

A study suggested a glass of red wine could lead to a happier, more relaxed mood and could also increase facial flushing. Sort of a no brainer, right? Well, here’s where it gets interesting. These things can make you more attractive in the eyes of your partner. While not a physical health benefit, I think most of us would agree that’s a definite emotional perk.

3. EASES DEPRESSION

One recent study suggested the anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol could even help with depression. With almost 148 million people in the U.S. battling some form of depression, this news could be huge—maybe even leading more scientists to study the connection between natural anti-inflammatories and depression.

4. CANCER SUPPORT

We all know that drinking alcohol damages cells in the body but some research shows that resveratrol can actually attack and kill those damaged cells. In a recent study, resveratrol in red wine counteracted the effects of alcohol, leading to a lower cancer rate. Anything that can help in cancer prevention is definitely a beautiful thing!

One Final Thought

Remember how I mentioned earlier that resveratrol could help combat obesity? There’s recent evidence suggesting a glass of wine a day could help overweight people burn fat faster. That’s not to say red wine is a total freebie. You can’t just drink all you like; there will always be risks with that kind of behavior, but there’s an argument to be had for the idea that red wine in moderation has the potential to do a lot of good. Remember though, red wine is not the only source for resveratrol; you can also find it in things like certain nuts and berries, and nutritional supplements.