Within alcoholic beverages, red wine stands out from other options for its rich content of antioxidants and polyphenols, such as resveratrol, which, together with its low caloric intake, make it a choice full of beneficial properties. Here we tell you which ones and what precautions you should take into account:
Take Care of Your Teeth
Different investigations highlight that polyphenols, natural antioxidants found in red wine, could slow down the growth of the bacterial flora housed in the teeth and gums and, therefore, contribute to dental care health.
Protect Memory
According to scientific evidence, resveratrol, a polyphenol present in red wine, would improve people’s memory. The researchers found that adults who took supplements with this compound showed increased brain connections in the area that involves memory. They were also able to recall more words, and their mood improved.
Anticancer
Again, the resveratrol found in red wine would be responsible for benefits for the body. In this case, we found that recent studies linked it to meaningful antioxidant action, capable of fighting cancer by hindering tumor cells’ proliferation.
Protect Your Eyesight
The antioxidants found in red wine and grapes could inhibit new blood vessels’ growth, associated with eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.
Fight Hypertension
It is believed that the incorporation of red wine is balanced and healthy diets, such as the Mediterranean or DASH, would allow keeping blood pressure levels under control. The research also found that a component of this drink, provinol, could alleviate hypertension deficient in nitric oxide synthase.
Protect the Heart
Studies have shown that adults who drink small or moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages, such as white wine, red wine, and beer, are less likely to develop heart disease than those who do not drink at all or are heavy drinkers.
Lower Cholesterol
Red wine could inhibit the synthesis of endothelin-1, a protein responsible for accumulating fats, cholesterol, and other substances along the arterial walls. This situation leads to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. It is also linked to red wine with anti-inflammatory properties.
Anticoagulant
Red wine is believed to have blood-thinning properties, even more, effective than aspirin, ideal for preventing a heart attack. This is because it has phenols that would prevent platelet aggregation, reducing thrombosis risk, forming a clot inside a blood vessel.
Against Sunburn
Many flavonoids in grapes and red wine would protect the skin from damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, specialists need to conduct more studies to corroborate the mechanism behind this association.
Other Benefits
Although the scientific evidence is insufficient, the consumption of red wine was linked to the prevention or reduction of the damage caused by oxidative stress at the onset of diabetes. The protection of bone health, decreased risk of kidney stones, relief of allergic reactions, increased resistance to allergens, and diuretic action are other benefits of taking red wine.
Pairing Red Wines and Vegetables
The wines that we are going to mention below can be paired with some salads. However, its accompaniment with vegetables is not exclusive since they also go very well with meats.
The Cabernet Sauvignon wines have a moderate or dense body but more than adequate for a menu of grilled meats. These wines accompany lamb, sirloin, and veal very well, accompanied by vegetables and even for a very elaborate dish such as coq au vin.
The Syrah wine has a moderate body ideal for combining with roasted and grilled meats, pork, and various grilled vegetables.
For its part, Tempranillo wine is perfect for vegetarian diners, but it is not bad to accompany with a good lamb or chicken.
Remember, however, that it is advisable to have a glass of red wine daily, no more than half of it so that all the benefits mentioned above are noticeable and it is better to take it during dinner.
