The Benefits of Red Wine

Wine has been studied extensively in order to determine if there are any medical benefits from its consumption. After research, the reults show that moderate use may actually help people live longer, protect against certain cancers, improve mental health, and enhance heart health. This is great news for everyone who enjoys indulging in this beverage.

It was believed that monks in medieval times lived longer than the rest of the society because of their regular consumption of wine. Science has since revealed that this could be true. Hundreds of years ago, wine was also used treat several health conditions.

 

Some Benefits of drinking red wine

Red wine is high in resveratrol which offers health benefits. Resveratrol may boost heart health, protect against some kinds of cancer, and prevent some types of vision loss.

• Improves Heart health and type-2 diabetes- Havng a drink of red wine with dinner "modestly decreases cardiometabolic risk" in people with type-2 diabetes. Research has shown that the glucose is metabolized by the ethanol in wine, and that the nonalcoholic ingredients may also help in that process.
• Increasing levels of omega-3 fatty acids - Red wine appears to boost levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells. These fatty acids are usually ingested from eating fish and they protect against heart disease. Research has shown that regular, moderate wine drinking was linked to higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Protection of the brain after a stroke - Resveratrol helps to protect the brain from stroke damage. Resveratrol increases levels of an enzyme that protects nerve cells in the brain from damage. This enzymen is called heme oxygenase. When a stroke occurs, the brain is ready to protect itself because of higher enzyme levels.
• Prevention of Vision Loss - Resveratrol in red wine may help prevent vision loss due to overgrowth of blood vessels in the eye. This is known as angiogenesis. Scientists believe that further research will confirm that the intake of red wine could help not only people with vision problems due to diabetes, but those with atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and other causes of retinal detachment.

Popular Types of Red Wine

There are several types of red wine but the most popular are Cabernet and Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon is described as being very rich and robust in flavor. Merlot is said to be fruitier and more delicate but both wines are considered “dry”. Merlot is easier to drink because it is slightly sweeter.Below is a list of main types of red wine:

Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the best selling red wine in the United States, cabs are full bodied and tannic. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape are grown in the Bordeaux region of France and they taste of heavy red and black fruit backed by tannic content.

Merlot

These medium-bodied wines are less tannic than Cabernets and are technically dry in that they lack the residual sugar that makes dessert wines sweet. Merlot typically has the same amount of residual sugar as a Cabernet which is virtually none.

Pinot Noir

This red wine is the next popular red wine behind Cabernet and Merlot. Pinots are medium to light bodied with a soft tannic structure. Pinot Noirs are also called red Burgundy, after the region where it's made.

Syrah (Shiraz)

Syrahs have a fruit flavor with a hint of pepper and spice. Syrah and shiraz produce wines that can be very different in style but they are from the same grape. The syrah is lighter and leaner than the intense shiraz wines which tend to be richer, riper and more full-bodied.

Zinfandel

Zins has a wide range of flavor characteristics from big and hearty to light and delicate. Zinfandel is lighter in color than the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Zin has a bold taste due to it's moderate tannin and high acidity. Most of these wines have higher alcohol levels ranging from about 14 – 17% ABV.