ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF RED WINE

Over the last decade there have been many research studies claiming benefits of red wine.   The  “French Paradox”,  which implies that drinking red wine in moderation can reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems, despite a high-fat diet,  is well-known.  Others claim it lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer’s; that it has anti-carcinogenic and anti-cancer properties;  and that it contains powerful antioxidant polyphenols, which contribute to anti-cancer, anti-aging benefits including helping to fight heart disease, vision disorders, allergies, viral infections, and more.

So, what is this important health component in red wine?   It is a phytoalexin called resveratrol.

“Found in many plants as a phytoalexin, resveratrol is abundant in the skins of red grapes (Vitis vinifera). It has been suggested that resveratrol underlies the phenomenon known as the “French paradox.” Wine is the most notable dietary source of this compound; a fluid ounce of red wine contains an average of 160 pg of resveratrol.”
Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG

“Grape juice contains resveratrol, as does cranberry juice, but at levels that are ten times less than those in red wine. Resveratrol content in different food and beverages: (uG 100 G), OyG/125 ML)Grapes 1,500, Red wine 625, Peanuts 150, White wine 38, Peanut butter 50, Grape juice 65, Blueberries 3, Cranberry juice 65, Raisins 0.01; resveratrol concentration in red wine varies greatly from one grape variety to another and from one region to another, with values ranging from 1 to 13 mg/l.”
Foods that Fight Cancer by Richard Beliveau, Ph.D. and Denis Gingras, Ph.D.

While all grapes contain resveratrol, red grape varietals contain more than white grape varietals and the concentration in red wine varies greatly from one varietal to another. For example, Pinot Noir contains much more resveratrol than Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. A possible explanation for this may come from understanding the Pinot Noir grape, and how reservatrol functions.

“Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin produced by some higher plants in response to injury or fungal infection. Phytoalexinsare chemical substances produced by plants as a defense against infection by pathogenic microorganisms, such as fungi. Alexin is from Greek, meaning to ward off or to protect. Resveratrol may also have alexin-like activity for humans.”
PDR for Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik

Pinot Noir, we know, is a more finicky, thin-skinned grape which comes from the Burgundy region of France and thrives in the foggy coastal regions of California where the temperatures can vary greatly on a daily basis. When it is stressed by pathogenic organisms and/or temperature, the Pinot Noir grape produces resveratrol to defend itself against such attacks. The more stress it experiences, the more resveratrol it produces.

With the possibility that resveratrol can provide similar benefits to humans, how long will it be before wine makers list the amount of resveratrol on the back of their wine bottles?

It’s all about good Food, good Friends and great Wine !

Click here for a video on the benefits of resveratrol.