Selecting The Healthiest Red Wine
Before you get a little wild about your wine habits and begin typing healthiest red wine into Google, let an experienced dietitian deliver the verdict. I personally say go for the wine without lots of preservatives and additives. I prefer natural and biodynamic wines, she says, though theyre not always as affordable or widely available, she adds.
It is also helpful to remember that it is not just about selecting a healthy wine but about choosing how you enjoy it. If you are thinking of enjoying a glass of red with dinner, opt for a balanced, well-rounded meal containing whole grains, vegetables, and heart-healthy fats. Food also works to protect the stomach lining and slow the bodys absorption of alcoholsomething we all know too well after a big night out without any dinner.
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According to Jim Bernau, the president of Willamette Valley Vineyards, one of Oregons leading Pinot Noir producers, cool climate Pinot Noir, especially whole cluster fermented wines, are more likely to deliver high levels of resveratrol than other varietal red wines.
Jim Bernau, President, Willamette Valley Vineyards
Bernau notes that resveratrol is a fungicide, a polyphenolic compound an antimicrobial deterrent and repellant that is naturally produced by grape plants to protect grapes from molds. Its found in the skin of the grapes.
Red grape varieties grown in cool regions that are prone to high levels of humidity during harvest time, and more prone to mold damage, will produce higher levels of resveratrol than red grapes grown in drier regions.
Thin skinned grapes are even more vulnerable to being attacked by molds, so those varieties of grapes, he believes, also tend to produce even higher levels of resveratrol. According to Bernau, local climatic conditions post veraison, regardless of where the thin-skinned grapes are grown, is the determining factor.
There are many thin-skinned red grape varietals. Sangiovese, Tuscanys main grape varietal, is famously thin skinned, although Sangiovese Grosso, the Sangiovese clone used to make Brunello di Montalcino, is much thicker skinned.
To maximize the level of resveratrol in a wine, Bernau argues, its necessary to minimize the wines contact with oxygen.
Why Is Pinot Noir So Healthy
Besides being loaded with resveratrol, pinot noir has a lower sugar content and fewer calories than other wines. Resveratrol’s antioxidant properties help to alleviate joint pain by preventing cartilage break down. The high antioxidant concentration levels in pinot noir help to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
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Myths About Red Wine And Heart Health
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Youve heard about the benefits of drinking red wine, including recent studies that claim red wine improves cardiovascular health.
Scientists and doctors are still trying to understand the connection between red wine and heart health. That means there are a lot of myths about the benefits of drinking red wine. So is drinking red wine actually good for your heart? Lets separate the myths from the facts.
For more information about heart-healthy practices, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
Petite Syrah And Pinor Noir
University of California researchers have studied wines to determine which types have the highest active levels of antioxidants. Results indicate that Cabernet Sauvignon had the highest level, with Petite Syrah — also spelled Sirah — and Pinot Noir close behind. Petite Sirah is a completely different grape than varietal Shiraz and creates a wine of richer color and texture, with a peppery profile in comparison.
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Heart Health Benefits Of Red Wine
There are a variety of different ways red wine can benefit your heart health, as well as your overall health and well being. Thatâs because wine is made up of polyphenols, which are naturally occurring compounds that have antioxidant properties. The polyphenols, like resveratrol and procyanidins, found in red wine are linked to several health benefits.
Some Red Wine Better For You Than Others
French Reds May Provide More Heart-Healthy Benefits
Feb. 4, 2003 — Wine snobs unite — a new study shows there may be a good reason why some French red wines are better than others at providing healthy benefits for your heart.
Although many studies have suggested that moderate consumption of wine can lower your risk of heart disease, relatively little is known about what exactly is behind these benefits or why certain wines might be “healthier” than other types of wine or alcoholic beverages.
But a new study, published in the Feb. 5 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, takes a novel, test tube-like approach in attempting to explain why.
German researchers grew cells in the lab from human umbilical cords and soaked them in solutions of six French red wines, three German red wines, pure alcohol , or nothing at all and analyzed how the cells responded.
They found that some of the wines were able to increase both the amount and activity of an enzyme that helps protect blood vessels from hardening , a process that can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. This enzyme, called endothelial nitric oxide synthase , increases levels of nitric oxide, which helps lower blood pressure and slow plaque formation among other benefits.
Some French red wines had as much as quadruple the amount of the enzyme compared to the teetotaler cells, and the German wines had only a modest effect.
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How Does Red Wine Help Protect The Heart
The benefits of red wine come from polyphenols naturally occurring compounds that have antioxidant properties. Polyphenols like resveratrol and procyanidins have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including cardiovascular health.
How exactly do these compounds protect the heart?
Studies suggest that these polyphenols:
- Boost good cholesterol
- Lower bad cholesterol
- Reduce blood clotting
So, wines with high levels of resveratrol and procyanidins are considered the best for your heart.
How Much Red Wine Should You Drink To Achieve Any Health Benefits
Thats a good question, and unfortunately, theres not a clear answer. Complicating things is the notion of what a drink is. Different people might have different ideas about the number of ounces or amount of alcohol in a drink, and it varies across different geographic locations. Even in clinical research, there is a lot of variation in how light or moderate consumption of wine is defined.
That said, the standard drink size in the U.S. for red wine is 5 ounces. From what is currently known about the health benefits of red wine consumption, most experts agree that light to moderate consumption is the goal. According to the 2015 to 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this means 2 drinks per day or less for men and 1 drink or less per day for women .
Remember that these are simply recommendations for those who want to drink wine. The health benefits have not been definitively established, so if drinking is not something you already do, there is likely no health benefit to starting.
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Is Pinot Noir Sweeter Than Merlot
Is Pinot Noir or Merlot Sweeter? One thing to note is that both of these wines are dry. This gives our taste buds a sensation of sweetness, even if the wine is technically dry. If that perceived sweet flavor is for you, then look for Merlot from warm climates like California and Bordeaux, France.
Myth: Red Wine Is Good For Everyone
Fact: Women and men experience alcohol differently, so they should consume it differently. One glass of wine per day is plenty for women, while men shouldnt drink more than two glasses a day.
We still dont really know if red wine is good for heart health. Until theres more information available, its best to drink moderately and talk to your doctor. For information about other heart-healthy practices, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
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/4link Between Red Wine And Heart Attack Prevention
A lot has been said about red wine and heart attacks, both in the negative and positive direction. While some people say that red wine can keep the heart healthy, others argue that all types of alcohol are harmful to the heart. So, is red wine actually good for the heart or is it all a hoax? Read on to know whether red wine is heart-friendly or not and what is the safe limit for consumption.
Myth: Red Wine Lowers Cholesterol
Fact: Keeping your cholesterol within a healthy range is important if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease.
According to a study published in Clinical Nutrition, red wine increases good cholesterol. On the flip side, nonalcoholic red wine decreases levels of bad cholesterol. LDL levels stayed the same in people who drank alcoholic red wine, so keep this in mind when you order a glass with dinner.
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Stick With Dry Red Wines Over Sweet Reds
As a rule of thumb when considering what kind of red wine is good for you, dry blends over sweet varieties are the safer, heart-healthy pick.
Thats because red wines with dryer notes and flavor profiles carry much higher levels of flavonoids, polyphenols and other compounds necessary for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory health properties. Its also these flavonoids and antioxidants that promote the bodys absorption of good HDL cholesterol while kicking bad LDL cholesterol to the curb.
Red wine varieties with that desired dry profile run the gamut of cabernet sauvignons, cabernet francs, malbecs and merlots. On the other hand, notoriously sweet red wines like zinfandels, maderias and any commercial red blend will almost always contain lower flavonoid concentrations though theyre still delicious, with a definite time and place at the dinner table!
On the most end of the sweet scale sits ports and anything labeled a dessert wine. Ports, with their liquor additions and fortifications, alter the entire chemical composition of the wine, as well as many of its metabolic processes. And dessert wines are, well, for dessert. Theyre fundamentally sugar-forward, with a fermentation process meant to minimize acidity and bring about the highest notes of fruit and sweeteners.
Which Is Healthier Malbec Or Pinot Noir
As an added bonus, Pinot Noir has a lower sugar content and fewer calories than other red wines. Malbec grapes have some of the thickest skins of all wine-grape varieties. That means theyre loaded with resveratrol, quercetin, and other antioxidants that are beneficial to cardiovascular and immune health.
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Drinking A Glass Of Red Wine Each Day Has Been Shown To:
- Boost your good cholesterol
- Lower your bad cholesterol levels
- Reduce the chances of blood clots
- Balance your blood sugar levels
- Help promote a stronger microbiome
- Reduce the risk of cancer in some cases
- Help maintain long-term mental acuity
- Boost your immune system and fight free radicals
- Fight against obesity
But before you grab your favorite red wine, itâs a good idea to take a look at the bottle youâre sipping from.
/4is Red Wine Healthy
Red wine contains a polyphenol called resveratrol which is the main reason why red wine is getting a lot of attention for its health benefits. Resveratrol basically comes from the skin of grapes, which is the main ingredient that makes the wine. Resveratrol is said to prevent the damage done to the blood vessels and also reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the body.
While some studies regarded resveratrol as beneficial as it lowers the risk of inflammation and blood clotting, some other studies found no link between resveratrol and the prevention of heart disease.
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Rethinking The Brain Benefits Of Red Wine
Weve been told for some years now that red wine, in moderation, because of the ingredient resveratrol, has heart benefits and may even extend a healthy life. This information allowed people to have a glass of red wine feeling as if they were doing something good for themselves. Not so fast.
The researcher, Dr. Dipak K. Das, who conducted the research, culminating in 2007 at The University of Connecticut, that had all the nightly news programs and medical journals proclaiming the health benefits of red wine, has been found guilty of 145 acts of data fabrication.
Turns out that an anonymous allegation of research irregularities led to a three year internal investigation of Dr. Das lab which resulted in a 60,000 page report concluding the falsification of data.
In an article published by CBS news on their website, Red wine no fountain of youth after all?, Dr. Richard A. Miller, professor of pathology at the University of Michigan, told CBS News of red wine, If it is good for you, its almost certainly not because of the resveratrol. People who bought the story for the last 10 years have been fooled.
She concludes that drinking alcohol, even in moderation, is unhealthy because it is a known neurotoxin. In excess, alcohol causes damage throughout the nervous system and kills brain cells, in particular, in important memory areas. Alcohol may be even more damaging in the developing brains of teenagers who tend binge drink. I sure killed a few brain cells in my college days.
Which Red Wine Is The Best For Your Health
Which wine is best for your heart?
Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks. Any links between red wine and fewer heart attacks aren’t completely understood.
What is the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir?
While Pinot Noir is an elegant, thin wine that requires a delicate palette to appreciate its finesse, Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful and bold, giving a punch in every sip. Pinot Noir is notoriously known to be delicate and difficult to grow, Cabernet Sauvignon, however, is tough and adaptable.
What are the most healthiest wines?
But since red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than white wine, it’s higher in resveratrol. Syn agrees: Red wines like pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon tend to be highest in resveratrol antioxidants, which research suggests may support heart health.
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What Is The Difference Between Malbec And Shiraz
Even though Malbec and Shiraz wines are similar, there are a lot of pronounced differences between them. Flavor-wise, Shiraz is a bit more complex than Malbec, with its smokey, pepper-like finish on the palate. Malbec features more of the classic aged red wine notes, such as vanilla, plum and blackcurrant.
There are many differences between Merlot and Shiraz. For example, Merlot is a grape that is soft and fleshy and its early ripening makes it popular for blending with later ripening grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, while Shiraz is a grape variety mainly used for blending with other varieties when it is very ripe.
Pinot Noir is considered the healthiest red wine you can drink. Unlike many of the reds on this list, Pinot grapes have a thin skin, so Pinot Noir has low tannins but high levels of resveratrol.
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Why Pinot Noir May Be The Best Wine For Your Health
Glass of red wine and electrocardiogram
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The benefits of drinking red wine have long been debated. Numerous studies have suggested that there is a link between moderate red wine consumption and heart health, but the issue has yet to be definitively settled.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks. Any links between red wine and fewer heart attacks, aren’t completely understood.
The health benefits associated with drinking red wines are mainly associated with a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol. The Mayo Clinic has suggested that:
Resveratrol might help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and prevent blood clots.
It also notes, however, that other studies found no benefits from resveratrol in preventing heart disease and that more research is needed.
Before you rush off to buy another bottle of your favorite red wine, however, you should note that the level of resveratrol in red wines can vary widely.
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This Is The Absolute Healthiest Red Wine You Can Drink
If you’re pouring, you might as well pour healthy.
Whether or not its healthy to drink wine depends heavily on how much youre drinking and, as it turns out, on the type of wine you choose. Most people know that red wine is the healthier option compared to white or sparkling. Its especially healthier than a carb-heavy pint of beer.
But not all reds were created equal, as any sommelier will explain. Different cultivars of grapes contain different nutrients and various wines are also prepared in diverse ways, meaning some have more sugar than others. And while most of the time were relieved alcohol doesnt come with a nutrition label , this left us curious.
So we consulted a few sommeliers to find out which red wines are really the healthiest. The healthfulness of red wine is largely due to its antioxidants. Resveratrol has been linked to lower risks of cancer, stroke, and heart disease, among other benefits.
Pinot noir has the highest concentration of the highly touted antioxidant resveratrol, Benjamin Appleby, top sommelier at Abe & Louies in Boston, told The Daily Meal. It is pretty easy to make the case for pinot noir being the healthiest choice among red wines.
But resveratrol wasnt the only perk of picking pinot noir over another breed of red.
