Red wine has health benefits, but can also jeopardise your health.

 

Advantages and health benefits of red wine

 

The polyphenols in the grapes protect the heart. People who drink small amounts of red wine every day for years have a 50% lower risk of developing heart disease and 32% lower risk of arteriosclerosis. All red wines inhibit endothelin-1, a protein that hardens the arteries, but Cabernet Sauvignon is the best.

 

The resveratrol in red wine slows down the ageing of cells by 70%, at least in an experiment with yeast cells. If this process works similarly in the human body, life expectancy can be extended by up to 10 years. The actual effect of resveratrol is still largely unknown. Resveratrol is well absorbed by the human body, but quickly leaves the metabolism again. However, experts believe that resveratrol levels increase in the long term.

 

Red wine contributes to the regeneration of cells and reduces the deterioration of brain cells in Alzheimer's disease.

 

A daily glass of red wine can halve the risk of prostate cancer, rid the body of carcinogenic free radicals, reduce cell proliferation and inhibit inflammation. It can also lower a man's testosterone levels, the hormone that stimulates the growth of prostate cancer cells.

 

Red wine inhibits gingivitis and periodontitis.

 

Disadvantages and health risks of red wine

 

 

The acid in red wine can wear away the tooth enamel and discolour the teeth.

 

Red wine can trigger migraine attacks in sensitive people. The headaches are caused by the bacteria in the wine. Work is being carried out on the production of red wine with genetically modified yeast.

 

Alcohol can increase oestrogen levels in women and thus increase the risk of breast cancer.

 

Red wine can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, headaches, diarrhoea, shortness of breath and even asthma attacks.