Whether it’s been a long day in the office or you’re out to dinner, not many things are more satisfying than a glass of wine. Indulging in your favorite glass of vino can sustain your sanity, but there are health benefits of red wine that you might not know about.
In case you needed an(other) excuse to grab that glass of wine, let’s look at some of the amazing compounds that red wine contains! Piceatannol and resveratrol, both found in red wine, are continuing to be connected to heart health and weight loss benefits. The buzz about wine goes far beyond the bottle
The Buzz About Red Wine
We all know that red wine is great to enjoy with friends or compliment a favorite food dish. But for centuries, red wine has also been used to treat health conditions. In fact, it has been believed to host a number of benefits including cardiovascular support. (1)
These health benefits are thanks to the plant compound found within red wine known as resveratrol. Resveratrol acts like an antioxidant and, another similar compound, piceatannol. Research has shown that consuming controlled amounts of red wine (one glass per day for women, two glasses for men) can boost a variety of health factors. (1, 7)
Resveratrol -Red Wine’s Powerful Plant Compound
So how do these compounds assist in making red wine a healthier cocktail choice?
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that some plants use to fight off bacteria. The resveratrol found in red wine is believed to increase cardiovascular health, prevent cancer, and treat acne. (1) Found in the skin of grapes, resveratrol in red wine is higher due to the fermentation process being longer than white wines. (9)
Resveratrol has been connected to lower cholesterol levels and body weight, and less cognitive decline from aging. (2)
Other benefits of resveratrol include:
- Increasing insulin sensitivity and helping to prevent complications that can come from diabetes. (3)
- Assisting in joint health such as the treatment and prevention of joint pain and cartilage damage. (3, 4)
- Possibly inhibiting cancer cell growth by preventing cells from producing and spreading. (5)
Red Wine for Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, go ahead and pour yourself a glass of red wine! A study by Purdue University Assistant Professor of Food Science, Kee-Hong Kim, and graduate student Jung Yeon Kwon, found that a chemical in red wine may prevent certain fatty foods we consume from turning into fatty tissue. (6)
The compound piceatannol, similar to the structure of resveratrol, has the ability to inhibit cellular processes which enable the development of fat cells which assists as a potential way of combating obesity. Piceatannol isn’t just in red wine. Grapes, passion fruite, white tea, and peanuts all include piceatannol. (6, 8)
After consumption, resveratrol is converted to piceatannol. “Piceatannol actually alters the timing of gene expressions, gene functions and insulin action during adipogenesis, the process in which early stage fat cells become mature fat cells,” Kim said. “In the presence of piceatannol you can see delay or complete inhibition of adipogenesis.” (6)
For those who consume a daily glass of red wine, these benefits come as great news. However, this doesn’t mean you should start drinking solely to prevent heart issues. While drinking wine holds potentially positive advantages to your well-being, it can also worsen other health problems. When indulging in any form of alcohol, remember to drink responsibly!
