You may have heard that red wine is a heart-healthy alternative to typical alcohol-based drinks, and even without comparison to other options, red wine holds up on its own in the nutrient-dense category of foods and beverages. Sure, you could just eat red and black grapes to get the antioxidant benefits found in wine if you don’t drink alcohol. However, if you do drink, here are some amazing benefits of red wine that you’ll want to consider and that will make you rethink your next drink order!
1. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is the fancy name for a class of antioxidants found in red wine that give it the dark, beautiful colors it’s easily recognized for. Resveratrol helps improve arterial function due to the way it affects blood flow. Resveratrol is also a well-known anti-aging antioxidant shown to be a top nutrient found in the diets of those who have lived the longest throughout history. For instance, red wine is a top component in the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the top diets known for its longevity benefits.
2. Weight Benefits of Red Wine
You should never drink wine as a way to lose weight, but choosing red wine over other alcoholic beverages (in moderation) can help improve the number on the scale since red wine is relatively low in calories and also very low in sugar. Since sugar contributes to obesity and high triglycerides, watching your intake wherever you can is important. It has also been shown that red wine reduces high blood pressure, which may also have something to do with the way it affects weight loss over time.
3. Reduced Stress
Stress is one of the leading causes of heart problems, weight struggles, and overall inflammation in the body. Choosing foods and drinks that help reduce stress can make it easier to combat stress on an internal level. Foods rich in calcium, magnesium, amino acids, B vitamins, and potassium are well-known for their stress-relieving benefits, and one of the most amazing benefits of red wine is how it helps reduce stress too. Red wine seems to not only reduce mental stress (since it is an alcoholic beverage — a depressant), but it also reduces high blood pressure, as mentioned above, which reduces cortisol levels and improves blood flow.
4. Memory Enhancement
Red wine and other foods rich in antioxidants (blueberries, kale, coffee, dark chocolate) are some of the most beneficial in helping improve neurological function and improving the way the brain ages. Memory is one area that red wine seems to help improve the most, and it has even been linked to research showing that it helps reduce the rate of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Cancer Fighting
Once again, red wine alone will not help protect you from cancer, but researchers have found that a specific antioxidant compound found in red wine, known as quercetin, helps kills cancer cells. This same antioxidant is also found in apples, onions, green tea, olives, grapes, berries, dark cherries, and olive oil. No more than 5 ounces per day is recommended when it comes to consuming alcohol if you have cancer. A little red wine may go a long way, but overdoing it won’t help.
Along with a nutrient-dense diet rich of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, red wine makes a healthy addition to your diet if you choose to consume alcohol (and are over 21 years of age, of course!).
Here are 5 recipes made with red wine if you’re looking for creative ways to use it besides just having a nightcap or glass with dinner.
1. Red Wine Berry Spritzer
This Red Wine Berry Spritzer recipe by Tasty Kitchen has no added sugar and includes dark, antioxidant-rich berries, making it a heart-healthy drink all around. Serve these spritzers at your next party instead of sugary cocktails for a healthier option!
2. Berry-licious Iced Tea Red Sangria
Tea takes this drink to a whole new level, and you can choose to use regular or unsweetened tea depending on your health needs. Berries are added to improve the overall flavor, while also boosting the fiber and natural sweetness of this sangria. Get the recipe from Culinary Hill and give it a try at your next house party or summer get-together!
3. Red Wine Pasta Sauce
Homemade pasta sauce has many nutritional benefits compared to store-bought sauces, which are usually high in sodium and sometimes include too much sugar. So, the best option is to just make your own at home, and don’t worry — it’s easier than you think! Try adding a special touch to your homemade pasta sauce with this easy and delectable Red Wine Pasta Sauce by the Cheap Recipe Blog. You can even substitute the small amount of sugar used in the recipe for your choice of sweetener.
4. Red Wine Vinaigrette
Skip the bottled dressings and make this homemade Red Wine Vinaigrette for your next salad or pasta entrée! It features simple ingredients with an authentic, Mediterranean flair!
5. Grilled Salmon With Orzo, Feta, and Red Wine Vinaigrette
For an alcohol-free option, choose a store-bought red wine vinaigrette! It’s great for reducing high blood sugar levels (as most vinegars are), and it’s also a delicious way to add some red wine flavor to your salads and entrées. Give this Grilled Salmon With Orzo, Feta, and Red Wine Vinaigrette recipe a try at your next lunch or dinner!
To learn more about red wine and how it’s made, get all the details here, and appreciate your next glass of red vino a little more next time!
Source: Lifestyle Lifehack
