Wine as Power - Discover Its Benefits

There is much talk about the health benefits of red wine, especially in the context of the prevention of circulatory system diseases. The antioxidants found in red wine not only protect genetic material but also effectively fight free radicals, especially those that contribute to coronary disease. The most potent antioxidant found in wine is resveratrol, which is also found in other organisms, but is significantly less potent in them. In addition to detoxifying the body, it is also responsible for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and the ability of the body to reduce the growth of fatty tissues. It can also be found that it increases the body's sensitivity to insulin and regulates blood sugar levels. Other components of wine that have a significant impact on the circulatory system are acetylsalicylic acid and quercetin. The first of these substances is responsible for thinning the blood, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Quercetin, on the other hand, is a strong antioxidant like resveratrol. It has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the activity of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that promotes the spread of pathogenic microorganisms in the body. One must not forget potassium, one of the basic elements that ensure the proper functioning of the heart. The deficiency of this element results in a narrowing of the heart muscle and a weakening of the muscles and the entire body. It is also an activator of many enzymes and affects the conduction of nerve impulses. Red wine also has a positive effect on the digestive system. Consuming it during a meal improves the blood circulation of the entire digestive system and stimulates the body to produce more saliva and digestive enzymes. This is possible thanks to the tannins contained in wine. Cinnamic acid, on the other hand, reduces the likelihood of gallstone formation by stimulating the production of bile and increasing digestive processes. It is also worth mentioning that red wine is effective in fighting infections. During the fermentation process, which is an essential part of the production of this beverage, a large number of polyphenols are released, about which you can read more in my previous article.

A standard serving (100 g) of red wine provides 85 kcal. It contains 127 mg of potassium, 12 mg of magnesium, 8 mg of calcium, and 4 mg of sodium. Additionally, red wine is abundant in numerous other health-promoting substances such as the previously mentioned resveratrol, quercetin, and acids.

In order to derive maximum benefits from red wine, it should be consumed judiciously. A single portion of this beverage per day should not surpass 2 glasses. Potential adverse effects, which may arise from excessive consumption, should not be overlooked. An overdose of this product can result in impaired functioning of the pancreas and liver, as well as hinder the absorption of vitamin D, which in the future may lead to osteoporosis. Red wine should not be consumed by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Furthermore, individuals with allergies, respiratory diseases, diabetes, liver and pancreatic disorders, as well as migraines should avoid this product.

In 2009, A. Szymczak et al. conducted a review of diseases in which the consumption of red wine has a significant impact. They considered many conditions (e.g. pancreatitis, fatty liver, cancer) in their study, but only in the case of gastric cancer was the use of red wine accepted. The researchers emphasized that alcohol consumption is a carcinogenic factor, with excessive and uncontrolled consumption being the focus here. In 2011, A. Kopet and colleagues published a review that outlines the health benefits of resveratrol. The article also contains interesting information about this antioxidant, including its effectiveness in treating neurodegenerative diseases and some infectious diseases (herpes, gastric mucosal inflammation).