Red wine is a drink that goes well with meat, fish and pasta. In certain doses, it can also be healthy, depending on your personal health status.
Fox News Digital spoke with two experts to discuss National Red Wine Day celebrated this week on August 28.
The health benefits of red wine, Dr. Azza Halim, a Florida-based multispecialty physician, told Fox News Digital, can be “attributed to its rich antioxidant content, particularly resveratrol.”
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Resveratrol “is found in the skins of grapes used to make red wine,” she explained via email.
“Resveratrol may help heart health by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL),” she said.
Red wine contains antioxidants that may help heart health, experts say. (iStock)
Additionally, red wine contains “flavonoids and other polyphenols,” Halim said, which can promote blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.
“The type of red wine is important because different grapes have varying levels of resveratrol and other beneficial compounds,” she said.
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Wines made from “thicker-skinned grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir,” have higher concentrations of these antioxidants.
Polyphenols in red wine may also contribute to brain health, Melanie Avalon, an author, actress, podcast host and avid biohacker in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital.
Compounds called polyphenols found in red wine may help prevent certain neurological diseases, experts say. (iStock)
“These polyphenols may also increase neuroplasticity and reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid beta and tau proteins, which are often found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” she told Fox News Digital via email.
“Antioxidants in wine, including the aforementioned resveratrol, may also promote longevity through activation of epigenetic and longevity pathways,” she added.
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Both Halim and Avalon stress that “moderation is key” to achieving these health benefits.
“The general recommended amount is one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men,” Halim said.
The recommended daily consumption is one glass per day for women and two for men, a source said, although “each individual must weigh the risks and benefits” based on their state of health. (iStock)
“Overconsumption can lead to negative effects, such as increased risk of liver disease, addiction and other health problems,” she said.
Avalon also cautioned that while variety doesn’t matter when it comes to health benefits, the type of wine does.
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“Conventional wine, especially in the United States, is often high in alcohol, sugar, additives and pesticides,” she said.
Resveratrol, a chemical found in the skin of grapes used to make red wine, is a type of antioxidant that may improve heart health. Pinot Noir grapes (left) have higher concentrations of these antioxidants. (iStock)
As an alternative, one should look for “organic or biodynamic wines” that do not contain these compounds, she said.
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“Choose wines from higher altitudes and cooler climates like Europe, as they tend to have lower sugar and alcohol content compared to wines from warmer regions,” she said.
“Choose wines from higher altitudes and cooler climates… They tend to have lower sugar and alcohol content compared to wines from warmer regions.”
Avalon continued: “Look for grape varieties known for their low alcohol and sugar levels, such as Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Barbera, rather than higher alcohol options like Zinfandel, Shiraz/Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Red wine, Halim said, should be seen as “part of a balanced diet” and not a substitute for a healthier lifestyle and regular exercise.
“Those who regularly drink limited amounts of alcohol, including red wine, appear to have a lower risk of heart disease… But there may be other reasons” for this as well, the Mayo Clinic says. (iStock)
“Each individual must assess the risks and benefits” for their own health condition, she said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, experts advise against starting to drink alcohol to help your heart.
“There may be other reasons for the lower risk of heart disease in people who drink red wine in moderation.”
“This is especially true if you have an alcohol use disorder or if it runs in your family. Too much alcohol can harm the body in many ways.”
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“People who drink alcohol regularly and in limited amounts, including red wine, appear to have a lower risk of heart disease… But there may be other reasons why people who drink red wine in moderation are at lower risk of heart disease. For example, they may have healthier diets and be more active than those who don’t drink red wine. They may also have higher incomes and better access to health care.”
