Facts about red wine
Red wine has been praised for its resveratrol content.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol (plant chemical) found in the skin of red and purple grapes less so in green. It has antioxidant properties and it also helps to make arteries more flexible, which lowers blood pressure. The amount of resveratrol in red wine is greater than in white and rosé wines since grape skins are removed early during the production of white and rosé wines.
A few studies suggest that consuming red wine may be more beneficial than drinking other alcoholic beverages. The amount of polyphenols in red wine is simply not enough to explain the benefits on health.
If you are a woman, and you’re drinking a glass of red wine each day, the amount of polyphenols is small compared to other sources of polyphenols in your diet, like blueberries, tea, apples and dark chocolate.
Also Read: Is coffee good for your health?
However, a recent study involving close to 800 men and women 65 years or older concluded that resveratrol consumed from dietary sources was not associated with longevity nor did it decrease the incidence of heart disease or cancer.
When you consume wine in moderation, most or all of the benefit is coming from the ethanol (alcohol) in the wine.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer. For men, drinking a couple of glasses of alcohol a day was associated with a 26% increased risk of cancers such as liver, colon and oesophagus. Women with a high risk of breast cancer should be cautious when consuming wine.
Do you have any news or article you would like us to publish? Kindly reach us via outreach@t4d.co.ke or howtodoafrica@gmail.com.
