Properties of red wine
The properties of red wine are known by the vast majority of users. So much so that they are even part of popular wisdom, knowing that a glass of wine a day is good for the heart. In this article we want to explain what are some of the main benefits of red wine.
Although it is common knowledge that drinking wine responsibly can bring great benefits to the body, such as lowering cholesterol, there is still a great lack of knowledge about the real contributions of wine to health. Many people confuse distilled beverages with fermented ones, which causes some misinformation on this subject.
Next, we will detail some of the main benefits of this drink, so that you have all the necessary information and can enjoy a good wine.
red wine and blood pressure
Contrary to popular belief, black wine does not affect blood pressure, meaning that even people with high blood pressure can drink wine. This is because the best red wine contains little sodium, with less than 50 mg per litre. In fact, a glass of wine only contains 5 mg. If we take into account that the WHO (World Health Organization) recommends an intake of less than 5000 mg of sodium in adults, this concentration is really low and, therefore, harmless.
Among the mineral properties of wine, we find that it has several grams of salt (between 2 and 3 grams), as well as phosphates, sulfates, chlorides, iodine, fluorine, zinc, boron, calcium and bromine, among others. All of these mineral elements are naturally found in food and are widely beneficial to the body.
In addition, the wine has an alcohol content of between 11 and 14 degrees, which means that, if consumed responsibly, no more than one glass a day, its alcohol content would not be counterproductive for hypertensives, since alcohol only raises blood pressure when consumed in excess.
In fact, when alcohol is consumed in a controlled and responsible way, studies show that it can even be beneficial for the heart and blood circulation.
red wine vitamins
The main ingredient of the wine is the grape and it also does not contain any additives. This means that the result, the fermented grape juice, will be a drink with beneficial organoleptic properties.
Grapes have properties for the body, since they provide energy to the metabolism, thanks to its macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and mineral salts.
Red wine, although in smaller quantities, contains B vitamins such as B12, which is necessary for the metabolism of proteins or to improve the health of neurons and red blood cells. Likewise, it also contains vitamin B6 and B2, although to a lesser extent.
On the other hand, grapes have properties and also contraindications, since the wine contains some elements that are harmful to the body such as arsenic, aluminum and lead, however, their proportions are so small that they do not even affect the body.
wine is not fattening
Good red wine contains alcohol in the form of ethanol that generates energy in the metabolism, but is not useful for the body, so they are considered “empty calories”. Alcohol has a different route than nutrients and the body tries to get rid of it as quickly as possible, so it goes directly through the liver where it is eliminated after being degraded.
A study of wine has shown that the human body does nothing with alcohol, that is, it does not convert it into fat or muscle. Alcohol has a very low glycemic index, so it passes through the blood quickly on its way to the liver and provides no energy.
In this sense, the vitamins, alcohol and trace elements present in the wine degrade quickly, but are fattening. In this case, what makes you fat are the macronutrients, such as proteins or carbohydrates, luckily there is only a 1% concentration of these elements in wine, so it is not as fattening as other drinks such as beer, which That doesn’t mean I don’t get fat.
Another common question about wine and cholesterol is whether wine helps reduce cholesterol or, on the contrary, if it contains fats that can harm the body. The truth is that wine does not contain fat.
Similarly, red wine (you can find some purchase options at this link) contains a very low concentration of sugar. Typically, it does not exceed 5 grams per liter, which means that a glass of red wine will only have one gram or less. Of course, the Pedro Ximénez type and the cavas have a much higher concentration of sugar, in some cases higher than 30 grams per litre, so they do make you fatter.
wine and diabetes
Having such a low alcohol concentration, diabetics can consume wine as long as they do so in a controlled manner. Above all, dry wine is indicated, which usually contains less than 2 grams of sugar per gram.
sulfites
Sulfur dioxide occurs naturally in wine during fermentation. This component of wine, commonly called “sulfite”, is often blamed for hangovers and headaches, however, the real responsible for these effects are histamines, which can cause allergy-like effects in some users.
wine and liver
Unlike most alcoholic beverages, wine is good for the liver. If consumed regularly and responsibly, red wine could protect the liver from diseases such as cirrhosis, as it strengthens its function. At the same time, regular consumption of wine prevents the accumulation of fats in the liver, thus preventing the development of fatty liver disease.
Despite its hepatic properties, it is important to know that, if the liver is already damaged, consuming alcohol of any kind and in any quantity will aggravate the ailments, so drinking wine is not recommended.
