Although humans have consumed wine for over 7,000 years, within the last couple of decades researchers have identified the bioactive components associated with health benefits and longevity. While resveratrol has been the most well-studied chemical in wine, others including phenols, flavonoids and non-flavonoids are being examined for their health-related outcomes. The health, wellness and longevity benefits of wine have become so well known, that some experts now consider wine a functional food.
What Is in Wine That Makes It So Healthy?
It may be hard to believe that wine contains over 500 chemical constituents, making it a rather complicated substance. Some of these chemical or bioactive components are responsible for the health benefits being studied around the world. Wine contains:
- Water
- Ethanol
- Monosaccharides (glucose and fructose derived from sucrose)
- Polysaccharides (cellulose, starch and glycogen)
- Volatile and non-volatile acids
- Phenols
- Polyphenols (tannins)
- Flavonoids (flavonols, anthocyanins)
- Non-flavonoids (stilbines including resveratrol)
- Melatonin
Wine also contains other components including vitamins, minerals, potassium, copper, zinc, fluorine, magnesium, aluminum, iodine boron and silicon. Although they are in smaller quantities than the chemicals listed above, they are essentials for good health.
Health Benefits of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a chemical found in the skin of grapes, blueberries, raspberries and peanuts. Plants develop it in response to attack from various pathogens like bacteria or fungi. Resveratrol is found in the skins of both red and white grapes, but is higher in red. It has been found to have the following health benefits:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-aging
- Anti-carcinogenic
- Cardioprotective
Resveratrol has also been shown to lower blood pressure by producing more nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to relax. Since it has antioxidant properties, it may decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol or the “bad” types of cholesterol. It activates genes that are associated with longevity, interferes with the formation of beta-amyloids, which are associated with the development of Alzheimer’s and may help develop better insulin sensitivity and fight complications of diabetes.
Wine and Heart Health
There is a good amount of research about the cardioprotective effects of moderate wine consumption to be reviewed. Some studies demonstrate that low-to-moderate consumption of red wine reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and in particular ischemic heart disease. It has also been shown to reduce overall mortality due to cardiovascular problems. Other benefits of red wine for heart health include:
- Decreased circulating levels of pro atherogenic lipoproteins
- Decreased coagulation
- Increased fibrinolysis (prevention of blood clots)
- Inhibition of platelets (from forming thromboses)
- Increased production of nitric oxide
- Antioxidant capacity
Excessive drinking is associated with a number of dangerous health conditions including increased blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive disorders and certain cancers. It’s important to remember studies identifying positive health benefits are based on light to moderate drinking.
Type 2 Diabetes
Some studies have found that people who drink wine on a regular basis have lower glucose levels. They also have a lower incidence of diabetes in general compared to non-wine drinkers. Red wine appears to reduce plasma insulin, increase HDL and decrease total cholesterol. A major take-away from research about wine and diabetes 2, is that it has protective properties and is associated with improved insulin sensitivity.
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Scanning through the research and the health benefits of wine and neurodegenerative conditions yields some very interesting and promising information. In general, people who consume wine on a routine basis have a reduced risk of developing diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis and more. The benefit seems to be best in mid-life and older ages. Research has yielded the following:
- Red wine is associated with better cognitive function
- It lowers risk of developing ischemic stroke
- It acts as a protectant against development of dementia
Longevity
Without making reference to any particular study, by now it would seem to be common sense that by eliminating or reducing the risk of developing heart problems, diabetes, or dementia, life would be extended and people would experience greater longevity. It is well-known in the scientific literature that people who drink in moderation do in fact live longer and healthier lives and it is only when consumption becomes excessive that health problems arise.
Resveratrol itself may be the bioactive component in wine that prolongs life and has been shown in animal studies (lucky mice!) to induce Sirt1-dependent autophagy (regulation of breakdown of old, damaged or abnormal proteins), reduces oxidative stress due to free radicals (which accelerate the aging process) and protects nerve cells.
Final Thoughts on Wine, Health and Longevity
Humans dating back to ancient civilizations and beyond, have used wine for its medicinal properties as well as a beverage to simply enjoy. Modern research provides evidence that these ancient peoples were right. Regular light-to-moderate consumption of red wine is associated with better heart health, and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and dementia. While the science of the bioactive components found in wine are fascinating, drinking wine simply makes a lot of people more relaxed and happier.