The Health Benefits of Dry Red Wine

Red wine is a type of wine made from dark-colored grape varieties - (red grapes.) The color of the wine can range from intense violet, typical of young wines, through to brick red for mature wines and brown for older red wines.

When God created the garden of Eden, His intention was for us to preserve , prosper and multiply it. Amongst other delicacies in this majestic garden, He gave us grapes which we, today enjoy in various ways. And after earth was destroyed by the flood, Noah remembered to resuscitate the vineyard which symbolises God’s people,peace and prosperity. Wine is not just a drink in the Bible, but a sign and symbol of wealth, salvation, life, joy and abundance. Even the wealthiest King Solomon is said to have owned a vineyard which he leased out to tenants in exchange for pieces of silver.

The red juice comes with immense health benefits which we shall explore today.

One writer, “Great minds drink alike!”. Wine is a drink that also symbolisés happiness and long lasting relationships. To every thing there are lots of seasons but wine is usually shared during merry times.

Will you join me today as we appreciate a taste of wine and how it may influence our health and intellect. Here’s hoping we are all having a good night’s sleep.

Wine is a drink that finds itself on most dinner tables. It embodies its origin, reflecting unique geography, climate, and history, making a place's story tangible in a bottle. Most of our wines in Zimbabwe travel all from the south right into our glasses. Talking about origins, I once had the privilege of visiting Cape-town, the hub of wine tourism, and left with a memorable cheese and wine tasting experience.

If you plan to visit Cape Town, let me share a few wine tasting tips. You take a look at the glass, tilt it against the white background to observe the colour, clarity and viscosity. Then gently swirl the wine to release aromas. Now smell it by taking a deep deliberate sniff. Finally sip a little to let it coat your palate. You will notice some sweetness, acidity, tannins and the body. Wine is indeed a culture. As you go about wine shopping, don’t forget to use your download various application to check on the quality. The list is endless, from Wine republic , Viniou, Vivino, Vintellect, Winestudy to wine scanners.

This ‘happy juice’ is mentioned 231 times in the Bible. The first miracle performed by Jesus Christ was at the wedding of Cana where he turned water into wine. This was not just wine, but the most hygienic liquor ever made. Grapes were crushed by foot way back in the day, to make wine. (Isaiah 63: 2-3). If there was a liquor board during those times, this miracle would certainly have gone viral. Fast forward we see Jesus breaking bread and drinking wine at the last supper, instructing them to “do this” often, in remembrance of him.

The global wine industry is a multi-hundred-billion-dollar market valued around $515 billion in recent years. This industry is an important economic pillar and engine for tourism across the world. Wine production involves harvesting grapes, de-stemming and crushing, pressing, fermentation, clarification, aging and storing, filtration, blending, and bottling .

Below is a table of some of the most expensive wines ever sold in the world.

So what are some of the health benefits of red wine?

Research suggests that drinking red wine in moderation may alleviate some chronic ailments like cardiovascular disease, hypertension and certain types of cancer. Red wine has been part of social, religious, and cultural events for centuries.

Cardiovascular health

A 2019 review reported that drinking red wine is linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease which is a leading cause of disease and death in the United States. The authors concluded that red wine might have cardioprotective effects.

Excess alcohol can how ever , directly harm the heart.

Gut Health

Scientists have linked the bacteria that live in your gut to how well your body breaks down food, your immune system health, and even your brain function. One researcher describes polyphenols found in red wine as “rocket fuel for your gut microbes.”

In a recent study, lead researcher Prof. Spector and his team found that participants who drank red wine regularly had a more diverse gut microbiome. Importantly, they also write that "even rare consumption may be sufficient" to increase diversity.

Type 2 diabetes

Another 2015 study has shown that drinking a glass of red wine with dinner “modestly decreases cardiometabolic risk” in people with type 2-diabetes and found that a moderate red wine intake is usually safe.

Scientists believe that the ethanol in wine plays a crucial role in metabolizing glucose and that the nonalcoholic ingredients may also contribute. However, more research is necessary to confirm the findings.

Blood pressure

Researchers have established that resveratrol may reduce blood pressure and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).

Additionally it’s said that red wine compounds called procyanidins help keep the blood vessels healthy.

It is however, important to note that drinking too much alcohol can still cause high blood pressure,,arrhythmia, or an irregular heart rhythm.

Brain damage after stroke

A study revealed that resveratrol might help protect against secondary brain damage after stroke or central nervous system injury. This is due to its positive effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. The resveratrol also helps reduce oxidative stress and cell death in rats with traumatic brain injury.

Restoration of Sight

Research shows that resveratrol may also help prevent vision loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Dementia

Researchers have found an increased risk of dementia in people who abstained from drinking wine. The authors stated that this might be because of the neuroprotective effects of polyphenols and other compounds in wine that can reduce inflammation and alter the lipid profile in the body.

Depression

Red wine is a happy juice and here’s why.

Resveratrol may be able to increase the level of serotonin in the brain, which might help reduce the symptoms of depression.

Other compounds contained in wine may help regulate how serotonin transmits within the brain, a mechanism that can malfunction in cases of mood disorders.

However, alcohol might also make depression worse in some cases. It also depends on your biological makeup.

Liver disease

Alcohol is a known cause of liver complications. However, some contexts link moderate red wine consumption to good liver health.

Research suggests that modest alcohol intake, particularly wine, is linked with lower liver fibrosis in people with no-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This study defined modest alcohol intake as up to 70 grams (g) or less than 2.5 ounces (oz) per week.

Drinking can also increase uric acid which can damage the liver.

Researchers need to complete more studies to determine the complex effects of moderate red wine intake on liver health.

People who currently have liver disease should avoid alcohol altogether.

Longevity

As discussed above, drinking red wine in moderation may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, which may help people live longer.

Research has established that moderate red wine consumption can increase the expression of longevity-related genes. It may also improve metabolic health.

There could be more health benefits of red wine to the body , mind and soul. For today l have only featured the above. Research continues on this subject and we are always encouraged to keep informed and knowledgeable.

Next time you go wine shopping, choose, red wine ! It contains more resveratrol which appears to underlie many of the health benefits highlighted above.

As l sip off, be reminded to take red wine in moderation. It may have certain health benefits as research indicates, including boosting heart, gut, and brain health. This is because it contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-improving effects.

However, there is no safe level of alcohol to consume and drinking alcohol can cause serious health problems. I would have tagged a few culprits on this note but let’s leave it here and be merry !

People are encouraged to consult their doctor before consuming alcohol or limit their consumption. We can also experience similar benefits from eating grapes and certain berries instead of wine.

Disclaimer!

This article intends to share with readers research backed benefits of red wine. The information shared is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Dr Precious Sibiya , is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more Wellness insights on

Email : precioussibiya2014@gmail.com

+263775369467