They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. However, there’s another commonly consumed, red item that comes with some surprising health benefits.
If you guessed red wine, you’d be correct!
Today, our wine store in Melbourne will be sharing several of them, and what foods to eat with red wine to maximise these health benefits.
Drinking red wine can have benefits – several of them in fact. Today, we’ll be explaining several of them, and what foods to eat with red wine to maximise these health benefits.
What are the good benefits of red wine?
When it comes to the health benefits of red wine, we have two components to thank:
- The alcohol content
- The antioxidants inherent in grapes
Let’s start with alcohol.
It’s believed that alcohol acts as a blood thinner. In particular, the alcohol content of red wine contains “good” cholesterol – specifically, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
But that’s only half of the equation. The other is the naturally-occurring antioxidants found in grapes – in particular, resveratrol.
Together, these attributes can have several health benefits…
What is resveratrol in wine?
Resveratrol is a natural compound found in the skin of grapes used to make red wine. It is known for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Resveratrol has gained attention for its association with cardiovascular health and its possible role in supporting overall well-being.
Health benefits associated with red wine
1) Is red wine good for your heart? It may help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
When most people think of cholesterol, chances are they’re thinking of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL constricts your vital veins and arteries, and can also create blood clots.
Both of these dramatically increase your risk of heart attack, stroke or even total heart failure.
Luckily, the “good” cholesterol and antioxidants found in red wine reduces this effect, thereby bringing down your risk of heart disease or worse.
Think of HDL and resveratrol as the street sweepers of your circulatory system, keeping your veins and arteries clean.
2) May help people with type-2 diabetes
While it’s still early days, the research on this particular benefit of red wine consumption is certainly promising!
Type-2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to process and convert glucose. A consequence is that glucose stays in your bloodstream, which has a number of direct and indirect consequences.
In addition to HDL and antioxidants, red wine contains ethanol – it is an alcoholic drink, after all – which is widely believed to help metabolise (read: helps process) glucose.
3) Reduced risk of dementia
In 2011, researchers from Loyola University in Chicago discovered a correlation between moderate red wine consumption and lower rates of dementia.
The reason? Our good old friend resveratrol!
As we said above, resveratrol promotes good blood flow – in particular, to the brain. By keeping the veins and arteries clear and reducing the “stickiness” of blood platelets, red wine can help keep your brain supplied with oxygen and nutrients.
This protects you from one of the most common causes of degenerative neurological conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
4) Rich in antioxidants
Red wine is full of antioxidants, which may offer a range of health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.
Antioxidants can:
- Protect cells from damage caused by free radicals
- Help support a strong immune system
- May reduce the risk of health disease
- Supports healthy blood vessels
- Can improve brain health and cognitive function
- Can help fight the common cold!
5) May reduce the risk of some cancers
While we make no specific health claims, some studies suggest a possible connection between moderate red wine consumption and a reduced risk of certain cancers.
Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, has been the subject of research exploring its potential anti-cancer properties.
6) Can have a positive impact on digestion
Certain compounds found in red wine, such as tannins, can aid in the digestion process by stimulating the production of enzymes and promoting a healthy gut.
Additionally, the alcohol content in red wine may help relax the muscles of the digestive system, which can alleviate discomfort.
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Choose between boutique imported blends to wines sourced from world-class Aussie vineyards.
How much red wine is good for health?
While the jury is still out on a definitive number, many sources of research suggest up to one glass of red wine per day may be associated with some of the above health benefits. If you have any concerns or questions, we suggest chatting with your health professional!
What is the best food to eat with wine?
Healthy food and wine pairings (that also taste great)
And of course, it wouldn’t be a wine conversation unless we talked about what to eat with red wine!
While red wine pairs well with a surprising number of different foods, there are certain food and wine pairings that offer additional benefits on top of the inherent benefits of red wine consumption.
Red meat and red wine
Red meat and red wine is an iconic pairing – it’s in the name, after all!
On top of tasting great however, this particular pairing also presents several potential health benefits.
While red meat is one of the most controversial foods out there, there’s no denying that it’s a great source of protein, iron and vitamin B12 – each of which are vital for healthy blood cells and brain development.
Just be sure that the red meat you buy is fed a healthy diet – grass-fed is the ideal here. And as with red wine, it’s a good idea to keep your red meat consumption at a moderate level.
Red wine and cheese
Red wine and cheese – could you think of a more quintessentially French combination?
If you’re unsure what to eat with red wine, pairing your vino with your favourite Gouda, Brie or Camembert is a great way to start.
Just like red wine, cheese is full of good stuff like calcium, which is great for healthy bones and teeth, as well as healing, regrowth and normalising blood pressure.
Additionally, cheese also benefits your cardiovascular system (much like red wine) thanks to its Omega-3 content and the presence of similar antioxidants and “good” cholesterol to red wine.
What should you NOT eat with red wine?
Here at I Like Wine, we believe that you have the freedom to pair whatever foods you want with your wine.
While it can be fun to learn the pairings, at the end of the day, enjoy what you want! So rather than saying these are foods you should not eat with red wine, let’s call them foods that are simply harder to pair, or pair best with a certain type of wine:
- Cabbage and algae vegetables such as kale, asparagus, or brussels sprouts
- Strong or acidic flavours like vinegar and soy sauce, which can dampen the wine’s flavour
- Blue cheese – this is a strong, flavourful cheese that pairs best with a sweeter wine
The reason for most of these is that their distinct flavours clash with the flavours of red wine, causing an imbalance.
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Whether you’re in the market for something heavy like a Pinot Noir or a lighter bottle like a Shiraz, when it comes to cheap red wine, you’ll find it all with I Like Wine!
