Why is red wine

The next time you're deciding whether to uncork a bottle, let science help make up your mind. Made by crushing and fermenting dark-colored grapes, red wine has been studied for many years and is thought to have a slew of health benefits when consumed in moderation, of course.

We've broken down some of the potential benefits of red wine, including the latest research and everything you should know before reaching for more vino. Boost your health with the Mediterranean diet made effortless by the Good Housekeeping test kitchen! The American Heart Society warns that, although moderate consumption of red wine may have health benefits, excessive consumption can be detrimental to your health. Liver damage, obesity, certain types of cancer, stroke, cardiomyopathy, are just some of the issues that excessive drinking can contribute to.

In fact, the American Institute for Cancer Research says that the less you drink, the lower your risk for cancer and advises to not drink at all if you want to take a proactive approach to cancer prevention. There have been a few randomised control trials — but these have been less than conclusive. Another randomised control study from found that drinking ml of red wine again, the amount held in a champagne flute , can lower the risk of developing stroke and heart disease among people with diabetes.

Research generally attributes any protective mechanism to resveratrol. There has been increasing attention on resveratrol supplements in recent years. However, data on the effectiveness of resveratrol pills is conflicting. Bertelli argues that we need the alcohol component of wine to absorb resveratrol. According to UK guidelines, which are among the most stringent globally, we should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week.

While the research on any health benefits of wine is nascent, it is still largely agreed that the healthiest option is to abstain — and that red wine is the healthiest option for those who do drink.

There are other ways to boost our health more effectively than drinking wine… such as eating fruits and vegetables Credit: Getty Images. Want to boost your health? Eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising, remain the best and most proven ways to do it — not pouring yourself a glass of wine. Join one million Future fans by liking us on Facebook , or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.

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By Jessica Brown 22nd October But could wine really be good for us? Around the BBC. Red wine contains powerful antioxidants, and many sources claim that drinking it has health benefits. What does the research say? Researchers have studied wine — especially red wine — extensively for its possible health benefits.

This article looks at the evidence behind the benefits of red wine, along with health warnings, and discusses whether people should drink it.

Red wine has been part of social, religious, and cultural events for hundreds of years. Medieval monasteries believed that their monks lived longer partly because of their regular, moderate drinking of wine. According to a study , although notably there are no official recommendations around these benefits, drinking red wine in moderation has positive links with:.

Red wine may get its health benefits from its antioxidant , anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating effects. Red wine — made from crushed dark grapes — is a relatively rich source of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant in the skin of grapes. Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress has clear links with many diseases, including cancers and heart disease. There are many healthful, antioxidant-rich foods , including fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Whole grapes and berries are better sources of resveratrol than red wine, and because of the health risks linked with drinking alcohol, getting antioxidants from foods is likely to be more healthful than drinking wine.

People may need to drink a lot of red wine to get enough resveratrol to have an effect, which could do more harm than good. That said, when choosing between alcoholic beverages, red wine may be more healthful than some others. Many studies through the years have shown a positive link between moderate red wine drinking and good heart health.

Recently, a 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. Other factors may play a role. For example, people who drink red wine in moderation may also follow a more healthful lifestyle or a Mediterranean diet. They also point out that excess alcohol can directly harm the heart. A study reports that polyphenols from red wine and grapes can improve the gut microbiota , contributing to a healthy gut.

According to research , red wine compounds may also act as prebiotics , which are compounds that boost healthy gut bacteria. In , researchers suggested red wine could reduce the risk of heart disease through its effects on the gut microbiome.

However, the research is limited, and doctors need more evidence before understanding the true effects of red wine on gut health.

The scientists believe that the ethanol in wine plays a crucial role in metabolizing glucose and that the nonalcoholic ingredients may also contribute. They call for more research to confirm the findings. In , scientists reported that red wine compounds called procyanidins help keep the blood vessels healthy. Many people find an alcoholic drink relaxes them, but results published in indicate that nonalcoholic red wine, too, can reduce blood pressure.

This could be a more healthful option. It is important, however, to note that drinking too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure and arrhythmia , or an irregular heart rhythm. A review reports that resveratrol may help protect against secondary brain damage after a stroke or central nervous system injury.

This is due to its positive effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. Resveratrol may also help prevent vision loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, according to research. Many forms of age-related eye conditions that cause vision loss involve these factors, including:. Some research says that drinking red wine in moderation could reduce the risk of certain cancers.

However, the National Cancer Institute say there is strong evidence that drinking alcohol can cause certain cancers, especially drinking heavily over time.