August 28th is National Red Wine Day; red wine is a drink that’s been consumed for thousands of years. The process of making red wine is by crushing whole grapes and leaving it to ferment. There are myriad of types of red wine, which vary in taste, color, and alcohol content, typically 12–15% (Bjarnadottir, 2017). Many believe that in moderation, red wine can be part of a healthy diet.
The risks for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are due to the prolonged damaged caused by age-related oxidative stress (Basli et al., 2012). The polyphenols in red wine such as resveratrol acts as neuroprotectants, regulating the number of free radicals present in the body (Basli et al., 2012). Additionally, anthocyanins have the ability to improve cognition while exhibiting neuroprotective benefits by preventing and reducing the amount of age-related oxidative stress (Basli et al., 2012; Robertson, 2013).
Similarity, with CVD, consumption of red wine has been associated with a “decreased risk for total mortality, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke” (Mcanulty, Collier, Hubner, Anoufriev, & Mcanulty, 2019). The same study found protective properties from the detrimental effects caused by aging, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Additionally, red wine has been known to decrease what’s known as the bad cholesterol (LDL), while boosting the good cholesterol (HDL). For example, a daily glass of red wine has been correlated with a 12% increase in HDL (Higgins & Llanos, 2015). Additionally, red wine can potentially decrease the risk of colon and prostate cancers when consumed in moderation (Higgins & Llanos, 2015).
The antioxidative properties of the polyphenols in wine may undue some of the negative effects caused by diabetes such as the damage to the eyes, kidney, and nerves (Robertson, 2013). Red wine’s antioxidants can also act as a buffer against the oxidative stress caused by the ingestion of a meal or environmental toxins for diabetics (Robertson, 2013).
- Recommended moderate consumption of red wine for women and men
1–1.5 glasses a day for women
1–2 glasses a day for men
- Although there are a plethora of benefits from wine. Starting to drink wine and alcohol for the benefits are not encouraged. Only continue if you are already drinking red wine.
- There a myriad of other ways to improve your health and decrease the effects of oxidative stress, such as physical activity and consumptions of whole fruits and vegetables.
- Moderation is key.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
References
Basli, A., Soulet, S., Chaher, N., Mérillon, J., Chibane, M., Monti, J., & Richard, T. (2012). Wine Polyphenols: Potential Agents in Neuroprotection. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2012, 1-14. doi:10.1155/2012/805762
Bjarnadottir, A. (2017, June 4). Red Wine: Good or Bad? Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-wine-good-or-bad#section1
Higgins, L. M., & Llanos, E. (2015). A healthy indulgence? Wine consumers and the health benefits of wine. Wine Economics and Policy, 4(1), 3-11. doi:10.1016/j.wep.2015.01.001
Mcanulty, L. S., Collier, S. R., Hubner, M. L., Anoufriev, G., & Mcanulty, S. R. (2019). Chronic and acute effects of red wine versus red muscadine grape juice on body composition, blood lipids, vascular performance, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity in overweight adults. International Journal of Wine Research, Volume 11, 13-22. doi:10.2147/ijwr.s206401
National Helpline: SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020, June 11). Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Robertson, R. P. (2013). Red Wine and Diabetes Health: Getting Skin in the Game. Diabetes, 63(1), 31-38. doi:10.2337/db13-1318
