This article will discuss healing properties of red wine, the therapeutic effect of which is known to many. Suffice it to recall that the composition of most tinctures from one or another medicinal herbs wine is included. However, one should not think that red wine as a healing agent was only now known.
Wine has always been and is an integral part of culture and life. But not everyone knows the extraordinary properties of wine, varietal characteristics and the place of each type of wine among the variety of drinks and dishes. Contrasting grape wine with other alcoholic beverages as a drink that displaces toxic products from the human body definitely indicates its positive role.
Wine, unlike many other spirits, is not a product of distillation. True connoisseurs of wine believe that real wine lives its own life, like a real living organism. The birth of wine is facilitated by fermentation - a process caused by yeast that can decompose sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide with the release of heat. It is alcoholic fermentation that is the basis for making wine, in particular red, and contains a number of biologically active substances necessary for the human body. In this sense, red grape wine has no analogues in its properties.
Louis Pasteur once remarked that " wine can rightly be regarded as the healthiest hygienic drink».
One of the most important properties of red wine, which few people know about, is that it is a carrier of potential energy, which is almost completely used by the body. So, a liter of dry red wine contains about 600-700 calories, which give the body the necessary energy boost, due to which you immediately feel a surge of vivacity and an uplift in mood.
Therefore, if possible, drink some good red wine at breakfast every day, the use of which will give you a boost of cheerful mood for the whole day. But remember that dessert sweet wines with a high sugar content are considered more high-calorie.
Wine has many valuable properties due to its composition. So, wine components, composed of the main organogens - hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen - are nutritious, as they take part in plastic processes and in metabolism. Although the content of nitrogenous substances in wine is low, amino acids are very valuable, of which up to 19 were found in red wine.
The amino acids contained in this amazing product are important regulators and catalysts of the body's metabolism. Several essential amino acids present in red wine serve as the multidimensional units from which all proteins are built. The order in which amino acids are included in them is determined by the genetic code. Some are part of enzymes and hormones (iodine in the composition of thyroxine). Most microorganisms and plants synthesize the amino acids they need for life; the body of animals and humans is not able to form the so-called essential amino acids obtained from food. Therefore, the use of red wine, which contains 19 of the 20 amino acids necessary for the normal functioning of the body, is extremely beneficial.
Along with red wine the most important elements for it - potassium and phosphorus - enter the body. Phosphorus is partly contained in organic form. The insignificant content of chlorine and chlorides makes the wine useful in hypochlorite mode. In modern conditions, it is of great importance that the consumption of wine does not accumulate free cholesterol, the accumulation of which in the body leads to the development of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis- a disease that occurs mainly in the elderly. This is a chronic cardiovascular disease, which is characterized by a deterioration in the blood supply to all organs. Heredity, excessive consumption of animal fat, low physical activity, psycho-emotional stress, and smoking are of some importance. With atherosclerosis of the venous arteries of the heart, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cardiosclerosis are possible; with atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels, a stroke and even mental disorders are possible. To prevent all this from happening, you need to use a proven and, importantly, pleasant way - drinking a small amount of red wine with your daily food.
An excessively high level of cholesterol in the blood leads to an increase in its viscosity, in connection with which the speed of blood movement through small vessels decreases. This in turn causes insufficient blood supply to the inner ear. Some scientists are of the opinion that this fact may be the cause of hearing loss in humans. To prevent a sharp hearing loss, you can, and in some cases even need to, drink red wine.
As already mentioned, in addition to natural fruit sugar, which is an optimal energy supplier, red wine contains minerals and vitamins which are essential for the body. For each person, it is necessary to know the brief characteristics of some of the main substances contained in grapes, and hence in wine. This is necessary in order to appreciate the beneficial healing properties of red wine and use it in certain cases.
So, calcium contained in red wine is considered a good building material for bone tissue, it is recommended to use it in sufficient quantities for muscle spasms and convulsions; zinc and vitamin C increase immunity; magnesium and vitamin B calm the nervous system, improve metabolism, are recommended for disorders of the cardiovascular system, in the absence of appetite; Vitamin A is essential for the health of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
In addition, the high potassium content improves kidney function. At the same time, salt, uric acid and other residual metabolic products are flushed out of the body. Red wine is an excellent, in some cases an indispensable tool for removing excess fluid and toxic substances from the body, so many well-known resorts in the world every autumn - after the harvest - are treated with grapes.
Red wine can also be attributed to the category of products that promote weight loss. Our good advice to you: act like the French and allow yourself to drink a glass of red wine for dinner. This delays the flow of carbohydrates into the blood, the digestion of proteins in the stomach slows down, and the appetite decreases. American scientists came to such conclusions. As a result of their research, they sought to find out why the French, despite the love of tasty, plentiful food, are mostly leaner than Americans. And the reason for harmony, as it turned out, is a glass of wine, most often drunk before dinner.
In addition to the above properties, grape red wine has a bactericidal effect and adversely affects cholera vibrio, typhoid bacilli, Ebert's bacilli, related to them.
In pure table red wine, bacteria die in 20-30 minutes. In wine diluted with water, the period of death harmful organisms somewhat lengthened.
By killing or weakening intestinal bacteria, red wine also helps to speed up the healing of scratches on the mucous membranes (due to the presence of tannins in it), thereby being the best prophylactic against purulent infections.
Naturally, wine itself does not disinfect the intestines, which have an alkaline environment, but only products that enter the body, in particular water, which often does not meet hygienic requirements and standards.
Therefore, the use of red wine instead of drinking water, the quality of which does not quite meet sanitary standards, will be very useful. We advise you to use red wine in any environment where the rules of cleanliness and hygiene raise some doubts.
Medical scientists have been doing research for a long time properties of wine in laboratory conditions and scientifically substantiate its effect on the body. The scientific literature describes cases and experiments that testify to the antitoxic properties of red wine. So, according to Professor Krosh, in 1861, an Indian bitten by one of the most poisonous snakes was saved with wine with a strength of 14-16% in the amount of 3 bottles.
Experiments with animals are very indicative for demonstrating the antitoxic properties of wine. It is known that lethal doses of cobra venom and hemorrhagic viper venom were injected into mice, after which red wine was given. The experimental animals not only lived longer than the control animals that did not receive wine, but were saved in this way.
Red wine has the most beneficial effect on the nervous system. His research in this area was carried out by the professor of physiology of the Yerevan Zootechnical Veterinary Institute S. A. Shcherbakov. The results obtained during the work turned out to be quite interesting and exceeded even the wildest expectations. It turns out that wine stimulates the activity of both salivary and gastric glands, promotes the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and the amylolytic function of saliva.
Wine acts as a sympathetic-tonic agent on the autonomic nervous system.
Conducting experiments with grape wine, Professor Shcherbakov concluded that in the process of excitation of the cerebral cortex, general excitation increases, which affects the increased function of the kidneys. Especially in this sense, red grape wine shows its positive qualities.
In moderate doses, red grape wine has a positive effect on the entire body. The abuse of other alcoholic beverages, and even beer, has more severe consequences than red wine, which is consumed in excess.
It must be remembered that fruit and berry wines, such as currant or wild rose, are richer in vitamins than grape wine. They are especially rich in vitamin C, which, as mentioned above, improves immunity and strengthens the body. Vitamin C is especially useful for those people whose body is exposed to the harmful effects of the environment. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant, it promotes the formation of new collagen fibers and prevents the occurrence of various inflammations (the formation of new collagen fibers is of great importance, since these are fibers of the extracellular substance of the connective tissue of animals and humans; these are strong and low-elastic fibers that perform a very important mechanical function) .
The use and consumption of red wine as a good healing agent has been known for a very long time. Knowing and learning medicinal properties this drink, you can even refuse to use some chemicals. But wine has a positive effect and a beneficial effect on the entire body, if you take into account the correct norms for its use (mostly red wine is consumed warm or even hot). For each person, the required amount of this drink is individual, but in general the daily allowance should not exceed 25-50 ml.
From the point of view of prevention, the prevention of gastrointestinal infections with the help of red wine is especially important. Due to its bactericidal and antitoxic properties, as mentioned above, as well as its effect on malarial plasmodia, red wine is considered a unique remedy. According to the testimony of a 95-year-old veteran - paramedic L. I. Kristsyak, who lived for 15 years in one area in Armenia, where malaria raged for many years, he was never exposed to this serious disease due to the fact that he replaced ordinary drinking water for his own use with red wine.
Even such a common disease as exacerbation of appendicitis can be prevented by including red wine in your daily diet. Among other things, there are statistical data in the scientific literature on lower mortality from tuberculosis in wine-growing regions and on outbreaks of tuberculosis when wine production is reduced.
If a person suddenly has signs of an adynamic state, accompanied by a violation of coordination and movement, numbness of parts of the body, red wine will help improve his condition.
Benefits of red wine with influenza-bronchial and pulmonary diseases it is very difficult to overestimate. If you breathe over red hot wine for 5-7 minutes, the characteristic unpleasant signs of such diseases (runny nose, cough) can disappear without a trace. A good remedy in the treatment of colds, especially bronchitis and flu, is a kind of cocktail made from red wine and mustard. And the use of fruit and berry or grape wine with meals contributes to the death of pathogenic bacteria, after which conventional medical means will be able to cope with any disease.
If you add black pepper to red wine, you will get a great healing drink that can bring a cold person to his feet. Such a drink is especially effective in the treatment of angina. In order for this natural medicine to act faster, it is necessary to wrap up the patient immediately after taking it (all the ailment will come out with sweat). Do not be afraid of those unpleasant sensations that you will feel in your throat. However, the next morning you will wake up healthy and strong, and you will remember the sore throat and fever as a nightmare.
A therapeutic cocktail using dry red wine has a very beneficial effect on the body's resistance to pathogens of various diseases. Dry red wine, mixed with aloe juice and honey, protects against colds, increases the body's resistance to infectious diseases. The juice is squeezed from the lower leaves of the plant, which are cut, washed cold water, cut into pieces and squeezed through gauze. Then honey and wine are added. This mixture must be infused for 5-6 days. Take the resulting product before meals, 1 teaspoon.
Drinking red wine in small amounts also helps with dullness of attention or partial loss of memory, and calms the nerves.
Wine is also recommended for patients with tuberculosis. In this case, wine is more effective than alcohol, due to the content of many useful components, such as tannins, mineral salts, iron (which is useful for anemia, weakening of the body, improves blood composition, metabolism), manganese, potassium (improves bone tissue composition). ), calcium, phosphorus and trace elements, glycerin and other biologically active substances.
In the homeland of many elite red wines, in Burgundy, they say that "the milk of old people is wine." This expression did not come about by chance. Red wine is especially effective for convalescents who have undergone major surgery, especially for the elderly. Wine is recommended in an amount of at least 30 ml per day for anemia, diabetes, scrofula, malaria, overwork, dyspepsia (indigestion, manifested by heartburn, heaviness in the stomach, bloating, cramping pains; observed with gastrointestinal and other diseases, improper feeding child, and so on), cachexia (general depletion of the body with tumors, lesions of the pituitary gland (pituitary cachexia), etc.) and other diseases.
In everyday life, we often encounter such minor troubles as cuts. For cuts, it is also very useful to use red wine to treat wounds. As you know, it contains substances that prevent the penetration of infection into the human body, and if this does happen, help to neutralize them. As a prophylactic procedure, it is recommended to apply a cotton pad soaked in wine to the place where irritation has occurred or slight itching has appeared.
Especially red wine is effective in surgical shock, fainting, asphyxia. It provides invaluable assistance in anesthesia, often replacing strong medications.
Everyone knows that wine warms in the truest sense of the word. We recommend that you make your own drink from red wine - mulled wine, one sip of which perfectly warms and is an excellent remedy for gastrointestinal diseases. The recipe for its preparation, as you know, was discovered in Burgundy.
"In Burgundy" to prepare this drink is easy.
For two bottles of red wine, one bottle of water is taken. Water in any case must be filtered. In warm water for a short time insist (to avoid bitterness) 30 g of coarsely ground cinnamon (in a bag of rare fabric). If the wine is taken not sweet, but dry or semi-dry, about 40 pieces of refined sugar are added to it. A mixture of wine and water is brought to a boil, then a little cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and slices of lemon without skin are added. You can add a tablespoon of cognac.
Mulled wine should not be boiled for a long time, it is only necessary to keep it hot. This drink, prepared at home, is generally better to use immediately after you have prepared it, since in this case its taste and, most importantly, useful properties are better preserved.
Naturally, it is not recommended to use wine for everyone without exception: it is contraindicated in certain diseases. Often, in order to use red wine for medical purposes, you need a doctor's prescription (but this is only if you decide to organize a serious course of treatment, which will be based on red wine).
If you use red wine in small quantities, it will only benefit. Moreover, without expecting it yourself, you can feel a surge of vivacity and an improvement in your physical condition in general.
As unbelievable as it sounds, red wine has saved lives many times, not just improved health. There are many such facts in history.
Perhaps the most striking confirmation of our words will be the story of the physicists Marie and Pierre Curie, who made a stunning discovery of the radioactive element polonium and radium in 1898, investigated piezoelectricity and radioactive radiation that is very dangerous to health. It is clear that under other circumstances, a portion of radiation, which became an integral part of their scientific work, could be fatal to their lives. And the circumstances were that these scientists were French and their daily habits saved their lives.
The French are not indifferent to red wine, and the Curies for many years drank a glass of wine for breakfast. It turns out that red wine, in addition to all its inherent beneficial properties, many of which were already known at that time, has a unique ability to prevent the accumulation of radioactivity in the body.
This historical fact once again confirms that red wine is a unique means of combating external adverse environmental conditions, allows the body to mobilize all the protective properties and, to some extent, prevents the occurrence of various diseases.
But not all wine can be beneficial. Useful properties of red wine are determined by its composition. Features of this amazing drink lie in the fact that it requires exceptional care in storage, and in how to use it, and, most importantly, in creation. All this requires a special mood, because the process of making good wine is a real creativity, in which you need to invest a piece of your soul. And only truly high-quality wine can benefit your health.
Throughout life wine requires careful care. In order for it to retain its healing properties, it is recommended to store it in accordance with special rules. So, the angle of inclination of a bottle of red wine from a horizontal surface should not exceed 13 5o 0. And in the Caucasus they say that when serving red wine, you can’t even wash the dust from the dishes in which this amazing drink was stored.
Proper storage of red wine allows people for many centuries not only to enjoy its taste and aroma, but also to derive undoubted benefits from its use. In the past few decades, scientists have taken up this issue separately. The study of the influence of wine on individual systems of the human body led to the following conclusions.
Wine activates the vagosympathetic system and enhances the secretion of the endocrine glands; enhances salivation and secretion of ptyalin (saliva amylase); promotes better separation of gastric juice and digestion of proteins; favors the secretion of bile in the liver; has a diuretic effect on the kidneys (that is, the use of red wine contributes to the increased work of the kidneys and the removal of excess water and sodium chloride from the body); promotes ventilation of the lungs, affecting the cardiovascular system, dilates blood vessels; reveals alkalizing properties in the blood, acting against acidosis (acidosis is a shift in the acid-base balance in the body towards a relative increase in the number of anions).
In this way, moderation and timeliness of the use of red wine will not only allow you to enjoy its unsurpassed taste, but also help in the treatment of many ailments. Moreover, this drink is very different from conventional antibiotics that poison the human body. Unlike their not always positive effect, red wine can bring real benefits to your body.
Many scientific studies have been devoted to the benefits of red wine, you can often find recommendations to drink a glass of red wine a day, even doctors sometimes recommend it to their patients. Is red wine useful and what is its effect on the body, let's try to figure it out in this article.
Although experts do not doubt the positive effect of moderate red wine consumption, disagreements still remain in explaining the mechanism of this effect. Thus, scientists from Uruguay after deciphering the genome of dark grapes of the Tanna variety established a high content of procyanidin (a flavonoid, a natural antioxidant) in it. Another study conducted at Queen Mary University of London showed that the procyanidin content of Tanna grapes is 3-4 times higher than that of another well-known Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety.
Other scientists insist that red wine contains the substance resveratrol, synthesized by plants of dark grape varieties, which can inhibit the development of inflammatory processes in the body, hearing loss, aging in general, as well as senile changes in the brain, and so on.
In addition, red wine belongs to the category of foods high in antioxidants. Another similar product is green tea. Antioxidants also slow down the aging process, help in the fight against serious ailments such as Alzheimer's disease.
How is red wine made?
When it comes to whether it is healthy to drink red wine, the question arises of obtaining this drink. Red wine is made from dark grape varieties, that is, from "purple" grapes, as they are called in wine-growing regions. It is collected at a time strictly defined for each variety, when the ratio of sugars and acids in the berry reaches the level that is necessary to obtain the planned result.
It is noteworthy that in countries with a long history of winemaking, such. like Italy and Spain, the grape harvest has its own name: in Italy it is "vendemia", and in Spain - "vendimia". The time of grape harvest in the northern hemisphere is from July to October, and in the southern hemisphere from February to April.
And, although special machines for grape harvesting have already been created, however, the best varieties wines are obtained by hand-picking it, which is more gentle for the plant and berries. After the grapes are harvested, they are subjected to maceration and pressing, and the resulting must goes through the stages of fermentation, filtering and bottling.
Benefit for health
It is understandable that the notoriety of alcohol makes one doubt whether red wine is healthy. However, studies conducted in Europe have shown that drinking 22-32 grams of alcohol per day protects a person from death from many causes. And comparing the use of wine with other alcoholic beverages proves the greater benefit of the former.
In addition, a small amount of dry red wine will reduce the harm caused to the body by smoking - a habit that cannot be definitely discussed whether it is useful. Red wine for blood vessels will not hurt due to the positive effect on their endothelium. Smoking impairs the ability of blood vessels to contract or, conversely, relax. The restoration of endothelial cells restores this ability, including contributing to the normal functioning of the heart. Therefore, the answer to the question “Is red wine good for the heart?” also positive.
According to a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts (USA), red wine in limited doses contributes to weight loss, as it inhibits the formation of new fat cells and helps in the fight against existing ones.
Italian researchers have studied whether red dry wine is useful in the treatment of inflammatory gum disease. It turned out that some components of this drink inhibit the reproduction of harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity, helping to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and sore throat.
Red wine can improve the state of brain activity, more than 70 scientific studies have been devoted to this. The antioxidant properties of the drink and the reduction of blood clots in the vessels explain its positive effect.
The University of California has proven that moderate consumption of red wine can improve mood due to the release of endorphins. At the same time, it turned out that wine brings more pleasure if it is drunk in rooms with furnishings in red and blue tones.
Red wine can reduce the risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and also slow down the development of breast cancer, but you must strictly adhere to the norm.
Drinking red wine increases the proportion of "good" cholesterol, has a positive effect on vitamin C levels, and reduces an allergic reaction.
How much can you drink?
The benefits of red wine can only be discussed when its use is limited. Is it good to drink red wine every day? Yes, but only if the amount does not exceed one glass for women, and two for men. In addition, this glass of wine can be drunk not at any time, but at the same time as a meal. It is clear that based on our lifestyle, if you work in a team, then it is better to drink a glass of wine with dinner so as not to embarrass your colleagues with the smell of alcohol.
What is the difference between dry wine and semi-sweet and sweet?
The difference in the remaining sugar content of wine explains its classification by type: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet. To obtain sweeter types, the fermentation process is artificially delayed by adding some reagents or by physical influence: cooling the product at the required level of sugar content.
Is red semi-sweet wine healthy?
After discussing the question “Is it good to drink?” red dry wine is compared with red semi-sweet and sweet wine. If you are at risk of diabetes or already suffer from it, then there can be no question whether red sweet or semi-sweet wine is good. You need to choose only dry and strictly adhere to the consumption rate.
controversial points
After the discovery of various beneficial components contained in red wine, scientists and doctors were inspired by the idea of creating a drug based on it that can fight many diseases. However, these studies have not yet yielded significant results.
In addition, when discussing whether red wine is useful in the prevention of cancer, it must be remembered that in addition to useful components, the product contains alcohol, which can provoke the development of certain types of cancer.
It should also be borne in mind that the beneficial components contained in wine do not come from the skin or pulp of the berries, but from the seeds, which release them during fermentation. However, not all modern varieties are produced in such a way that the substances have time to flow from the seeds into the drink. Therefore, when discussing whether red wine is healthy, it is better to choose one made according to traditional technologies.
Red dry wine: benefits and harms. The best red dry wines
Red wine is made from various varieties of red and black grapes. A glass of such a drink can do much more than just help you relax during a date or after a hard day at work. Especially dry red wine. The benefits and harms of such wine have long been the subject of research and debate among scientists. As with almost all products, there are supporters of both the first and second points of view.
Doctors who consider the drink useful talk about longevity, reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol. Opponents are reminded of the calories that it contains, a decrease in the reaction rate and a long way to the scourge of the Russian people - alcoholism.
Increased life expectancy
Researchers from Harvard Medical School confirm that resveratrol is able to resist aging by stimulating the production of a protein that protects the body from "age-related diseases." This powerful plant antioxidant is found in the skins, seeds, and to a lesser extent in the leaves of grapes. In the process of making wine, it remains in the drink, along with a whole collection of other equally useful and interesting components, such as tannins, flavonoids, tannins, quercetin.
Memory improvement
A good dry red wine can improve short-term memory. After a 30-minute test, the researchers found that participants who took resveratrol supplements showed significant improvement in word memory as well as better hippocampal function. This part of the brain, according to modern science, is responsible for new memories, learning and emotions.
Reducing the risk of heart disease
In 2007, the results of a study were published that collected evidence to support the hypothesis that procyanidins, components found in red wine tannins, help support the cardiovascular system. The content of these components is especially high in wines produced in the southwestern regions of France and Sardinia. People, in general, also live longer there.
Another study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that moderate red wine consumption reduced the risk of a heart attack.
Improves eye health
Dry red wine, the benefits and harms of which are constantly being studied, has also been noted in connection with the state of eye health. At the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the results of several years of research conducted in Iceland were presented. Conclusions - people who drink red wine moderately are half as likely to develop cataracts than those who drink a lot or do not drink at all.
At the same time, moderate drinkers meant those who drink no more than 2-3 glasses a day and at least 2 glasses a month.
Reducing the risk of cancer
According to the findings of researchers from the University of Virginia, a component found in the skin of grapes can destroy cancer cells. I mean resveratrol. It works by blocking the development of a key protein needed by these degenerate cells.
Improving dental health
The polyphenols in wine can slow the growth of bacteria in the mouth and potentially help prevent cavities in the teeth. This is reported by a summary of observations published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (from the American Chemical Society). During the study, the bacteria responsible for tooth damage were exposed to various fluids. Wine has shown a fairly high efficiency in the fight against them.
Cholesterol Reduction
Another study conducted in Madrid proved that good dry red wine, such as Tempranillo and Rioja varieties, can lower cholesterol. In healthy study participants, after consuming the components found in wine, the level of "bad" cholesterol fell by 9%. The results of those who consumed the same wine components of people with elevated cholesterol levels showed a drop in its amount by 12%.
Help protect against colds
This drink is also a good protection against colds (thanks to the antioxidants it contains). For those who drink more than 14 glasses of wine during the week, the risk of getting sick is 40% less.
Is it harmful?
There are many research results that lead to the conclusion that everything that dry red wine brings is good. And there is harm, however, from it too. Wine is not for everyone. And most importantly - it is not useful in any quantities. In various publications, recommendations about the amount fluctuate - from 50 to 200-300 grams per day. Most often, you can find advice to drink no more than three glasses for men and one and a half for women.
An amount over 300 grams per day will no longer bring benefits - on the contrary, the effect becomes exactly the opposite. At the same time, it is important to distinguish which wine is used, since only a natural, good drink helps health.
The best red dry wines
The age of wine is comparable to the age of civilization: the real proof of this is the vessels with drinks found by archaeologists, made 2 thousand years ago. These are products made from rice and other components (and not white or red dry wine) - the benefits and harms of drinks with such aging cannot be assessed, because hardly anyone would dare to evaluate them personally. The taste is also unknown - tasters cannot taste this, as it may be unsafe for health, but this find illustrates the popularity of the vine very eloquently.
In modern world good drinks they are made in several regions of the planet - among them France, Italy, Spain, Georgia, there are excellent varieties in the USA, New Zealand and Australia, in the expanses of the former Soviet republics.
The best dry red wines of Georgia are Saperavi and Mukuzani. Mukuzani is made and considered one of the best wines from Saperavi grapes. Aged for at least three years and goes well with meat. Saperavi wine is also made from the same variety (it is aged for at least a year), which, like red wines in general, goes well with meat.
Among the wines of Spain it is worth mentioning Pingus 2006, which received the highest scores from wine expert Robert Parker. It goes well with meat dishes and hard cheeses, but its cost is over 1000 euros.
Unico Reserva Especial NV, Vina El Pison 2007, L`Espill, Vega Sicilia Unico 1998, Enate reserva especial 1998 are excellent dry red wines, reviews and high marks were given by famous tasters and connoisseurs.
Dry red wines of France - Chateau Bessan Segure Medoc, Chateau Grand Medoc Ferre CORDIER, Chateau Gillet Bordeaux AOC, Tour de Mandelotte Bordeaux AOC (suitable for almost anything), Premius Bordeaux AOC, Castel Bordeaux AOC (for meat or chocolate), Bordeaux Collection Privee CORDIER (Perfect with pâtés and cheeses).
By the way, French wines are divided into several quality categories, and AOC is the highest of them. These are real jewels among wines - the quality and characteristics of these drinks are controlled by a special institution (INAO).
It is impossible to ignore Italy - this is one of the oldest wine-growing regions of the planet, and drinks here are made of the appropriate taste and quality. The best of them were assigned the DOCG category, a level slightly lower - DOC.
The best red dry wines of this region are Barbaresco (one of the ten best wines in the world), Barolo, Chianti, Salice Salentino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Valpolicella. These are drinks that deserve the highest ratings (and have them) and must-tasting for anyone who wants to try great wine.
Produced in different regions of Italy, they are united by taste, quality and reputation in the category " Upper class". These wines are quite capable of competing with the best products of France, Spain and other wine-producing countries.
The red dry table wine of these regions is not considered high-class, but it tastes very worthy, and you can safely buy it for dinner or lunch.
The benefits of red wine - its beneficial properties and harm to health
Hippocrates singled out the beneficial properties of red wine, and Louis Pasteur spoke no less positively about the effect of wine. In many countries (particularly in France), red wine is considered a national drink and is consumed by the majority of the population as a daily mandatory drink.
The benefits of red wine as a natural product obtained from the fermentation of pure grape juice are undeniable. This drink contains 
a lot of useful, necessary and indispensable substances for health. The composition of red wine includes micro and macro elements: potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, rubidium. Thanks to this “bouquet”, red wine has a beneficial effect on the activity of the cardiovascular system: dilates blood vessels, reduces the level of bad cholesterol, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, magnesium and potassium strengthen the heart muscle. Wine has no less positive effect on blood composition, increases the number of red blood cells, increases the level of hemoglobin (reduces the risk of anemia), removes radionuclides and reduces blood density.
The use of red wine has a stimulating effect on the digestive tract: it increases appetite, enhances the secretion of glands, helps maintain a normal level of acidity in the stomach, and enhances the production of bile. The substances contained in red wine normalize metabolic processes, in particular, chromium is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids (therefore, in many diets, with a restriction in the diet of many foods, the use of red wine is allowed).
Red wine is a source of bioflavonoids and antioxidants (quercetin, resveratrol), these substances not only fight free radicals and prevent premature aging of cells, they also prevent the formation of blood clots, reduce the risk of developing cancer. Resveratrol has a beneficial effect on the gums, strengthens them, prevents the formation of plaque and prevents harmful bacteria (such as Streptococcus mutans) from sticking to tooth enamel.
It also consists in its tonic and anti-stress effect on the body. When drinking this drink, the endocrine glands are stimulated, metabolism increases, immunity increases, and sleep improves.
About the dangers of red wine
Remarkably, the beneficial properties of red wine appear only when consumed in limited doses - no more than 100-150 ml per day. If the consumption rate is higher, then the harm of red wine becomes obvious. Indeed, in addition to useful substances, red wine contains alcohol, which has a devastating effect not only on the physical state, but also on the human psyche. The tannin contained in wine can cause severe headaches.
Harm of red wine applied to the body overuse just as obvious as the benefits at low doses. In large quantities, wine negatively affects the functioning of the liver, causes jumps blood pressure, can cause the development of hypertension, osteoporosis, provokes the development of cancerous tumors. In addition, the intake of alcoholic beverages slows down the reaction of a person, causes changes in the psycho-emotional background, and can cause the development of such severe mental illnesses as delirium.
For people suffering from ulcerative lesions of the gastroduodenal region, coronary heart disease, as well as pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and depression, the use of red wine will definitely be harmful and is completely contraindicated.
Which wine is healthier (red or white) and why?
Madeleine
Red wine - more than just delicious drink, but also very rich in useful substances - antioxidants called flavonoids, which have a beneficial effect on the health of the heart muscle.
Red wine contains substances that are antioxidants. The largest amount of wine contains such an antioxidant substance as resveratrol. In nature, it is found in the seeds and skins of grapes. In the process of making wine, this substance accumulates and reaches a significant amount in the final product.
White wine also contains resveratrol, but at a much lower level than red wine, because the seeds and skins are removed earlier in the white wine-making process than in red wine. Wine also contains the following antioxidant substances: saponins, catechins. They prevent the harmful effects of free radicals on the cells of the body. Antioxidants also prevent the process of cholesterol oxidation, its deposition on the walls of blood vessels.
Resveratrol prevents platelets (blood cells involved in the formation of blood clots) from connecting with each other, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Ekaterina Gerasimova
The antioxidants contained in white wine are stronger than in red, but they are much less quantitatively in white than in red. Therefore, it is traditionally believed that red wine is healthier.
www.ruhealth.ru/enoterapiya.doc here is a very interesting article about the treatment of various diseases with wine, sometimes white is more useful.
Julia
Wine like any other alcoholic drinks may not be beneficial to health. Any amount of alcohol, in addition to being a foreign substance for the body, also dulls the clarity of the mind, reduces the speed of thinking, the speed of reaction. What's the use here?
Yaroslav Popov
of course red, because wine turns red due to the fact that it ferments along with the grape skins remaining after squeezing the juice. Biologically active substances that are extremely useful for the body get into the wine from the skin, which color the wine red. Of course, the grapes should be red, not white. If the juice of red grapes ferments without the skin of the berries, then it turns out not red, but white wine. Of course, dry wine is the most useful. Drink it every day, observing two rules: no more than 300 grams per day and drink exclusively at meals, and take the first sip of wine not earlier than the middle of the meal, when there is already food in the stomach, this will avoid stress on the liver, because. ethyl alcohol contained in wine is digested not only in the liver, but also in the stomach.
Marina
Dry white wine is lighter, but red wine breaks down fats from food better. That is why it is better to drink fatty foods with dry red wine. White table wines have significant diuretic properties, relieve fatigue, and are useful for weakened cardiac activity. Red table wines contribute to the elimination of radionuclides from the body (especially Cabernet), are useful for anemia, prevent thrombosis, which in four out of five cases are the cause of strokes. Wine has not only bactericidal, but also hematopoietic properties, since in it, unlike white, there is almost no residual sugar. Therefore, it is recommended for diabetics and people of dense build. For indigestion, red wines such as Saperavi and Cabernet are recommended. Red wines are generally healthier than white wines, as they contain more healing substances. Wine also has antioxidant properties that protect against many diseases, including cancer.
Which wine is healthier - red or white?
Madeleine
The French say that red wine is made for health and pleasure, rose wine is for love, and white wine is for thirst quenching. :-))
Studies have shown that it is red wine that has a significant beneficial effect on weakened human health. In 1998, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of the following experiment: several volunteers drank half a bottle of red wine every day for two weeks, while another group of people from among these volunteers drank the same and in the same quantities. White wine. The level of antioxidants recorded in the blood plasma of the volunteers peaked within half an hour or so after drinking red wine and continued for another 2-4 hours. Drinking white wine had no effect at all.
White wine made from peeled grapes does not contain resveratrol. It is believed that resveratrol is the cause of the so-called "French paradox" (high intake of fatty foods and low levels of heart disease) in terms of moderate consumption of red wine.
White wine is not as dense as red wine. The taste of white wines contains berry and fruit tones. It is these drinks that quench thirst well. To quench your thirst in the heat, there is a recipe using white wine. To do this, chilled white wine is diluted with the same amount of cold water and an ice cube is added.
On the other hand, it cannot be said that there is absolutely no benefit to human health from white wine. According to the "Oenotherapy Code" of the French doctor Eylo, the use of light white wines is good for maintaining the heart muscle, and dry white wines, again with mineral water- help with atherosclerosis. In addition, dry white wines with a strength of less than 12% are recommended for metabolic disorders, stomach diseases and anemia. And white wine is also called "light for the lungs". A study by the University of Buffalo found that drinking white wine is good for the lungs. The results were presented at a meeting of the American Thoracic Society, where scientists announced that drinking white wine improves lung function.
Regardless of whether the wine is red or white, its aging time does not affect the health benefits in any way. Over the years, only the price increases, and not the amount of vitamins or flavonoids. If we talk about red wine used for treatment, then first of all we mean dry red wine. And preferably young. Semi-sweet varieties, and especially fortified ones, are less useful.
Ponomarev Viktor
Red. The difference is that white is obtained by fermenting grape juice. All components of the berry are involved in the production of red wine: skin, pulp, seeds. Accordingly, more nutrients pass into the drink. Of course, if the wine is real grape: "fruitful" is often tinted.
unknown
British biochemists have shown that red wine has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Scientists believe that the healthiest red wines come from southwestern France and the Sardinian province of Nuoro.
Olga Ivanova
Red wine has more antioxidants, but white wine is smaller, more easily absorbed into body tissues, and therefore more effective. There are more useful substances in red wine, especially in the one that came from well-ripened grapes with thick skins. Of these wines can be called: French Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chilean wines, Cahors. Resveratrol - a substance that increases life expectancy - most of all in the red wine of Bordeaux, in Burgundy Pinot Noir, in Italian wine from Valpolicella.
It is precisely because wine is a good anti-stress agent that many begin to abuse it.
"The first cup belongs to thirst, the second to joy, the third to pleasure, the fourth to madness."
Inna Lee
Someone likes red wine more, someone prefers white. It's a matter of taste. And which wine is better? Scientists have found the answer to this question.
From a scientific point of view, not all wine is equally good for the body. Studies show that it is red wine that has a significant beneficial effect on a person's weakened health. In 1998, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of the following experiment: several volunteers drank half a bottle of red wine every day for two weeks, while another group of people from among these volunteers drank the same and in the same quantities. White wine. The level of antioxidants recorded in the blood plasma of the volunteers peaked within half an hour or so after drinking red wine and continued for another 2-4 hours. Drinking white wine had no effect at all.
Scientists also found that red wine significantly reduces the production of endofelin-1 protein in the body, the excess of which leads to atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. White wine does not affect the amount of endofelin-1 in any way. Among the 23 varieties of red wines, the most effective were those that contained the largest number so-called polyphenols. In particular, these are wines made from Cabernet and Sauvignon grape varieties.
It is believed that the amount of anthocyanin dyes contained in 200 g of red wine will fully satisfy the daily human need for vitamin P, which helps to absorb ascorbic acid. There is very little of this vitamin in ordinary foods, although it is extremely important for metabolic processes.
The reason for such a cardinal difference in the properties of white and red wines lies in the production technology. The fact is that grape skins give their beneficial substances to red wines. Whereas white wines are made exclusively from grape juice with pulp.
The French say that red wine is for health and pleasure, rosé for love, and white wine for thirst quenching. Therefore, white wine should be drunk in those months of the calendar, in the names of which there is no letter "r": May, June, July and August. Summer is the time for this golden light drink. No wonder white wine is usually served chilled to 6-8°C, and high-quality white wine - to 4-6°C.
White wine is not as dense as red wine. Summer wines have higher acidity, less tannins, and therefore are not as tart. The taste of white wines contains berry and fruit tones. It is these drinks that quench thirst well. Sauerkraut health benefits and harms Raspberries health benefits and harms Which fish is the most healthy for humans
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E If drunkenness and alcoholism have always been violently cursed by mankind, then grape wine itself has been enthusiastically glorified from ancient times to the present day. "Milk of Venus", as Aristotle called wine, contains a large number of biologically active substances. Grape wine has an extremely complex chemical composition, including about 600 components, the main of which is water. The content of the extract in wine depends on many conditions. On average, in white wine it is about 22 g / l (grams per liter). Red wine has a higher extract content - about 30 g/l. Even higher extractiveness - up to 40 g/l and sometimes even up to 60 g/l - for strong and dessert wines.
The chemical composition of wine
Carbohydrates in wine are represented by glucose and fructose, various polysaccharides. Content ethyl alcohol ranges from 9 to 14% in table wines, from 12 to 17 - in dessert, from 17 to 20 - in strong wines. Grape wines also contain trace amounts of highly toxic methyl alcohol, for example, in white wines - from 0.2 to 1.1 g / l, and a number of other higher alcohols. Of the polyhydric alcohols, wine contains glycerin. Its quantity can be different - from 0.7 to 14 g per 100 g of ethyl alcohol. If the wine is made from grapes affected by noble rot, then the glycerin content can reach 30 g/l.
Grape wine contains various organic acids: malic, tartaric, lactic, volatile acids, as well as nitrogenous substances: amino acids and peptides, proteins and ammonia. It is the amino acids that are involved in chemical transformations that lead to the formation of the characteristic features of a particular wine.
Phenolic substances actively involved in the formation of the taste and color of wine are present in a wide range - up to 0.1 g/l in whites and up to 5 g/l in reds.
Wines also contain aldehydes, acetates, esters, which are involved in creating the aroma and bouquet of wine. The mineral composition of wine is varied: manganese, fluorine, zinc, titanium, cobalt - a total of 24 trace elements. Wine does not contain a very large amount of vitamins C, B,1, B2, B6, B12, PP, but their effect on the human body is extremely favorable. At the same time, the wine is rich in vitamin P, which promotes the absorption of ascorbic acid.
The chemical composition of wine, its properties depend on a combination of many factors: climatic, soil conditions and topography of places where grapes are grown, agricultural practices, methods of wine production, etc. Due to the unique content of various useful substances, wine is considered to be the most valuable hygienic drink with bactericidal properties, as well as with a versatile beneficial effect on the human body. The main thing is the moderate consumption of wine.
How much wine to drink
There were traditional social demands for moderation: three cups of wine per drinker per day. Probably, it was this dose that led to the creation of a wine bottle of a strange, at first glance, capacity - 0.75 liters, sufficient, for example, to hold three glasses of wine for each of two drinkers.
The demands of moderation date back to ancient times. The Athenian statesman Eubulus described the effects of drinking wine in 375 BC:
"I must mix three cups: one for health, the second for love and pleasure, the third for good sleep. After drinking three cups, the wise guests go home. The fourth cup is no longer ours, it belongs to violence; the fifth - to noise; the sixth - to the drunk revelry; the seventh to black eyes; the eighth to peacekeepers; the ninth to suffering and the tenth to madness and the collapse of furniture. The maximum dose of wine these days is limited by the amount of alcohol it contains. It is believed that for an adult man, the norm of wine drunk per day with a strength of 10% should not exceed 400 grams.
How to open wine
This operation is especially delicate and requires a certain skill and skill. In every bottle of good wine, the cork is covered with a special cap. Incorrect or inept removal of it can disrupt the aesthetic appearance of the bottle. In addition, if the wine is old red, then special care is required so as not to disturb the tannin sediment that forms in the bottle. That is why a bottle of red wine must be placed in a vertical position a day or better two before it is opened. In this case, the sediment will sink to the bottom.
If a bottle of red wine was not put in a vertical position in advance, then a special "cradle" is used. The bottle is placed in it with the label up, the cork is carefully removed with a corkscrew and the wine is poured, firmly holding the "cradle" along with the bottle. So, it is necessary to remove the cork cover (cap). To do this, cut it with a sharp knife right under the protruding part of the neck of the bottle. After that, the upper part of the cap can be easily removed and does not interfere with the bottling of wine. Then you need to pull out the cork with a corkscrew.
Invented around 1790 by an English gunsmith, a bottle opener called a corkscrew has been improved and improved many times. Currently, there are many different designs of corkscrews. However, they all have the same principle of operation: a spiral with rounded edges (so as not to chop up the cork) up to 5.5 cm long penetrates the cork and removes it from the bottle without much effort.
In 1979, the Englishman Allen developed the Scropull corkscrew model, which became popular all over the world. The corkscrew is screwed into the cork strictly in its center and vertically. If possible, the cork should not be stuck through to avoid small crumbs getting into the wine. But it is also impossible to screw in the corkscrew weakly either: this will inevitably lead to repeated screwing, but already through and with the formation of small crumbs from the cork. The corkscrew with the cork should be pulled carefully and silently, avoiding unnecessary popping.
After uncorking, the neck of the bottle is again wiped with a napkin. Experienced sommeliers, having pulled out the cork, imperceptibly sniff it. If the smell is unpleasant, then this indicates a "corky taste", this bottle will need to be replaced. Pouring some wine into a glass, the waiter invites the customer to taste it. If the wine is liked and approved, they start serving all the guests. In this case, the wine is poured without fail on the right side. The bottle is held in such a way that the label can be seen. It is indecent to hold a bottle "by the throat", to pour wine through the back of the hand. The art of pouring also lies in the fact that, after filling the glass, slightly turn the bottle. In this case, not a single drop will spill.
If the owner of the house pours wine at the table, then he should start with his glass, filling it halfway, and then offer it to all guests clockwise (from left to right).
Particular attention should be paid to uncorking an old port wine that has been aged for more than thirty years. The cork in such drinks is usually very difficult to remove in the usual way. For these purposes, in Portugal, special tongs are used, called tenash (tenaz). This traditional tool is first heated red-hot, then they are wrapped around the neck of the bottle below the cork for about ten seconds. Then tenash is removed, cold water is poured onto the neck, and its upper part, in which the cork is located, gently breaks off from the bottle.
Useful properties of wine
The wine has pronounced antibacterial properties. It is noted that during epidemics the number of cases in wine-growing regions and among people who regularly drink wine is somewhat lower. During the research it was noted that wine suppresses the bacteria of tuberculosis, cholera, malaria, etc. Moreover, almost the same effect is produced by wine diluted twice with water. Therefore, during epidemics, especially in regions prone to them, doctors recommend drinking table wine, half diluted with water, instead of drinking water. In addition, dry white table wine perfectly quenches thirst. Natural wine is also useful for colds and chronic diseases such as influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. With such diseases, mulled wine + hot red table wine with spices and sugar, such as Cabernet or Merlot, for example, should be consumed. For disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, red wines with a high content of tannins are useful, for example, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet. Such wines, due to the presence of tannins, have a strengthening and healing effect on the stomach, especially with scars and stomach ulcers. With obesity and metabolic disorders, wines also help. They remove slags and toxins from the human body, normalize metabolism. A particularly valuable property of wines is the ability to lower the cholesterol content, which has been confirmed by numerous experiments, for example, with rabbits. It has been established that in the same area, people who regularly drink wine have a low cholesterol content. Wine also helps with radiation. So, in the former Soviet Union, people who, on duty, work in the nuclear and similar industries and in conditions associated with increased radioactive danger, were regularly prescribed the use of cahors (for example, submariners on nuclear-powered ships). With diabetes, dry grape wines with a low content of sugar and glucose (less than 4 grams per 1 liter) are suitable. Light white and especially champagne wines contribute to the maintenance of weakened cardiac activity. So, white semi-dry wines have a positive effect on the elasticity of blood vessels, reduce the risk of blood clots and myocardial infarction. And champagne also improves ventilation of the lungs, stimulating the respiratory centers.
Useful properties of red wine
Red wines contain vitamins B2, B1, C, P, iron, potassium, magnesium, iodine, manganese, gold. The healing properties of red wine are explained by the high content of essential amino acids in it, as well as natural antioxidants - flavonoids, one of the tasks of which is to protect plant genes from damage by ultraviolet radiation. In the human body, such a substance is melanin. This property of red wine made it possible to use it in the prevention and treatment of cancer. The positive properties of red wine include:
- protection against cancer (on the one hand, with the help of resveratol, wine protects the cells of the human body from the damaging effects of ultraviolet and X-ray radiation, on the other hand, saponins, wine catechins serve as an antioxidant and protect cell DNA molecules from free radicals).
- prevention against atherosclerosis (increases the level of "good" cholesterol in the blood, which has a high density, and removes "bad" cholesterol from the body, which protects the body from strokes and heart attacks).
- prevention of blood clots in the lumen of blood vessels (resveratol thins the blood and prevents blood platelets from sticking together).
- prevention of anemia, large blood loss, beriberi.
- warm red wine diluted with water helps fight colds, pneumonia, flu, bronchitis. Dose 50 g 3 times a day.
- help with diarrhea (it is recommended to drink 50 grams of cool red wine, which has astringent and antitoxic properties).
- help with insomnia (30 g of sweet or semi-sweet red wine at bedtime in severe cases).
- from bruises and bruises, from pain from injuries and sprains, compresses with cool red wine help to quickly get rid of.
Useful properties of white wine
Numerous healing qualities of white wine have been known since ancient times. Even Hippocrates in ancient Greece said about him: "Wine is surprisingly adapted to the human body, both healthy and sick." And much later, but just as true, Louis Pasteur noticed the same truth, saying: "Wine can rightfully be considered the healthiest and most hygienic drink."
To useful properties white wines include:
- it increases appetite
- enhances the secretion of the endocrine glands
- contributes to a better secretion of gastric juice and maintaining normal stomach acidity
- dilates blood vessels
- destroys bacilli in the stomach and intestines
- support the heart muscle
- improve lung function
- help restore metabolism
- useful for anemia
- antioxidants, although they are present in a small amount, are easier to digest than from red wine, because they are smaller in size.
The chemical composition of wine
The use of red wine has been supported by society for many years due to its healing properties. The call "Let's live to 150 years" and claims that chemical substances inside it can help prevent cancer, no doubt very pleasant, especially to justify a glass of wine (or several), but are they true? Also, "tannins" are usually mentioned in wine circles when discussing the taste and quality of wine, but what are tannins, and what effect do they have on the quality of wine? Now we will try to clarify the situation a little.
Wine in general, and grape wine in particular, has an exceptionally complex chemical composition, numbering more than 600 organic and inorganic substances.
On average, red wine contains 86% water, 12% ethyl alcohol, and about 1% glycerin. Among the organic acids in wine, lactic, citric, malic, acetic and succinic acids predominate - 0.4%. Tannins and phenolic compounds make up only 0.1% - but these are the ones we will look at when considering compounds that contribute to the color and taste of wine.
In wine, we are primarily interested in finding flavonoids, a class of phenolic compounds commonly found in various plants. What are phenolic compounds? Phenol, the simplest example of a phenolic compound. It consists of a hydroxyl group (an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom) linked to a benzene ring that contains six carbon atoms. The phenolic compounds in wine are somewhat more complex, but they all include several phenol units in their structure.
There are four sub-classes of flavonoids found in wine:
- anthocyanins;
- catechins (or flavan-3-ols);
- flavonols;
- tannins.
Each of these in turn contributes in some way to flavor or color. Due to the differences in the vast range of compounds found in wine, we have such a variety and uniqueness of wines.
Anthocyanins:
Anthocyanins are widely distributed in nature and are the coloring substances of plants, giving foliage, flowers, fruits and berries a variety of shades from pink to black-violet.
During the processing of grapes, anthocyanins are extracted from the skin of the grapes. The color of young red and rosé wines is mainly determined by the presence of anthocyanins and their derivatives. It should be noted that the pH of the medium significantly affects the color of anthocyanins. Acids in wine lead to a red color, but in alkaline solutions, the same substances can give a blue color, or even green and yellow at a higher alkalinity.
In wines, anthocyanin molecules undergo a wide range of reactions to form larger “complexes” that not only contribute to the red color of the wine, but also make the anthocyanins more resistant to oxidation. During polymerization, the color of the wine changes from ruby red (young) to brown (old). It is due to the formation of complexes that the wine does not lose its color during aging.
The aging of wines leads to a decrease in the content of anthocyanins, which is associated not only with polymerization, but also with the formation of insoluble brown precipitates. It is believed that the main reason for the precipitation of anthocyanins is their oxidation.
An important property of anthocyanins is their strong bactericidal effect. They inhibit the development of fungi and lactic acid bacteria. Unfortunately, old red wines, which already contain almost no anthocyanins, lose their bactericidal properties.
Catechins:
Catechins in their pure form have a bitter, slightly astringent taste, which in oxidized and condensed catechins acquires a pleasant astringency. In wine, they mainly come from the seeds of grapes, their concentration in red wine can reach up to 800 mg / l. Catechin and epicatechin are the main flavan-3-ols found in red wine. These compounds are also found in high concentrations in tea and dark chocolate. Their health benefits are also attributed to their antioxidant activity.
Grape polyphenols play an important role in the formation of the most important properties of wine. So, wines from grapes with a high content of catechins have an excessively tart, rough taste. With a lack of these compounds, the wine acquires the so-called “empty” taste. The taste properties of wine and its color are greatly influenced by the reactions of polymerization and oxidation of catechins, which proceed most intensively during the maturation of the wine. The oxidation products of catechins have a weakly astringent pleasant taste and golden-brown color of varying intensity, making aged wines easy to distinguish from young ones.
Flavonols:
Flavonols are similar in structure to flavan-3-ols, with only a couple of minor differences. Significantly enough, flavonols do not contribute to the bitterness of wine as flavan-3-ols do. Flavonols have antioxidant properties, but studies show that they are present in red wine at too low a concentration to be considered a good source of antioxidants, at least when compared to other natural sources such as yellow onion or tea. However, they help color red wine by forming complexes with the previously mentioned anthocyanins.
Tannins. Tannins:
The quality of red wines to a large extent depends on the quality of tannins. They are the soul of wine. In grapes, tannins are found in the skin, seeds and stems. The tannins in the green particles of the stalk do not have such sharpness, and the tannins in the stones are the hardest and give the wine an unnecessary roughness. Therefore, winemakers are trying to concentrate on the extraction of noble tannins from the skin of berries. These tannins make up 20 to 30% of all available tannins. Some tannins also come from the barrels in which the wine is aged.
Grape and wine tannins are condensed tannins produced by the polymerization of several flavan molecules.
Tannins give red wine a specific taste, which distinguishes it from white. White wines, by the way, have much lower levels of tannins than reds, partly because they ferment without skins and stems. Tannins in white wines often come from wood. This explains the shorter life span of white wines and their lack of tart and astringent flavors. When we drink wine, the tannins interact with the proteins in our saliva to form sediment, which gives us a feeling of dryness. A change in the concentration of tannin will also be reflected in the sensation of dryness that is perceived. Tannins also contribute to color by forming complexes with anthocyanins.
Tannins are a kind of "preservatives" of wine, only due to their presence and possibly a long aging of wines. Aged wines give a feeling of fullness of taste, they completely lack excessive astringency and roughness of the bite of young wines, excessively saturated with tannins. Therefore, if the wine is consumed young, the contact of the must with the pulp is limited.
Benefits of red wine:
Reports of the benefits of red wine began to surface over two centuries ago. In the early 90s of the XX century, the “French paradox” was covered in the media, but studies of the effect on the body of resveratrol, one of the biologically active components of red wine, were not widely spread until the discovery in 1997 of the ability of resveratrol to prevent the development of a cancerous tumor. . This fact has significantly increased the interest of scientists in the study of this antioxidant.
It has long been noticed by doctors that the death rate from heart disease in France is lower than in any other developed country. French people eat four times as much as Americans butter and three times as much lard, they love fatty goose liver, they smoke more, and their death rate from heart disease is two and a half times less! This phenomenon has been called the "French Paradox". Dietary studies have shown the French to have a relatively high consumption of fruits and vegetables, which in themselves reduce the risk of heart disease, but the most important feature was the high consumption of wine, and red wine.
Resveratrol is an antioxidant in red wine.
Resveratrol as an antioxidant is 5 times stronger than beta-carotene, vitamin E - 50 times, vitamin C - 20 times
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red wines and some other plant and mushroom foods. It is the most powerful natural antioxidant, exceeding in its activity beta-carotene by 5 times, vitamin E - by 50 times, vitamin C - by 20 times. Intensive studies have been carried out, during which it was proved that this substance prolongs the life of the studied living creatures: yeast fungi, fruit flies, worms and fish. The maximum lifespan of fish increased by 59%.
Resveratrol is produced in the skin of grapes in response to extreme conditions such as low temperatures or intense UV exposure, as well as to counter various infections, including fungal infections. Thus, resveratrol, figuratively speaking, is a reliable guardian and protector of grapes. With the regular use of whole red grapes (and red wine) with a high content of resveratrol, as has long been noticed, many diseases recede.
Resveratrol has been shown in mice to help prevent high blood pressure (hypertension) in mice, lower sugar levels, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
However, it is worth noting that the level of resveratrol present in red wine is not sufficient to have a noticeable healing effect - at least it was not seen during the nine-year study period.
In custody:
In the end, I would like to add that wine is still a drink that contains alcohol, and in order for it to provide health benefits, it does not need to be abused. Also, wine should be carefully chosen, because the information described above is valid only for natural wine from grapes.
To date, there is a whole list of products that the debate does not subside, and we almost constantly hear a lot of conflicting reviews that these products are insanely healthy, or that such products should not even be eaten a little. Actually one of these extremely controversial products is the famous red wine.
In any case, I would like to draw attention to the fact that in order for high-quality red wine to bring only benefits, it is advisable to use it in moderation. "Moderate" - means no more than 50 grams (about three tablespoons) per day.
Many have heard and know that red wine good quality happens to be very useful. It is believed that red wine can be consumed in moderation to improve the overall metabolism in the body, as well as to normalize salt metabolism. And yet, there are always people who see in this drink only a huge harm to health. We propose to try to understand this issue.
What can be useful quality red wine?
Well-made red wine contains many substances that are powerful antioxidants. Moreover, high-quality red wine contains in the greatest quantity such a unique antioxidant substance, which is called resveratrol. Directly in nature, this substance is also found in seeds (pits) and simply in the skin of grapes. But in the process of proper production of red wine, this substance actively accumulates and eventually reaches quite a significant amount, meaning in the final product (red wine).
Undoubtedly, white wines also contain the antioxidant resveratrol, but in much smaller quantities than red wine, and that's all, because in the process of making white wines, the seeds and the same skin of the grapes are removed at an early stage.
In addition, red wine also contains a large amount of substances with antioxidant action called saponins and catechins. Such substances are able to prevent the harmful effects of free radicals on the human body. These antioxidants, among other things, are able to actively prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, and therefore prevent its deposition directly on the walls of our blood vessels.
Today it is believed that French-made wines contain the highest amount of useful antioxidants. Recent studies by scientists have shown that directly in those parts of modern France, where it is customary to use fatty foods in fairly large quantities, while washing it down with red wine, the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases is several times lower than in other areas with a similar diet.
World scientists have proven that high-quality red wine can even prevent cancer. And you can also thank resveratrol for that. And that's all, because this substance, being a powerful antioxidant, has a unique ability to prevent the development of oncological neoplasms, and even interfere with the rapid development of existing ones. It has been observed that in some special cases, this substance is able to almost completely destroy existing cancers.
This is explained by the fact that thanks to resveratrol, the real possibility of numerous DNA mutations (which usually occurs as a result of the negative effects on the body of free radicals) can be minimized. Also, resveratrol contributes to the rapid death of cancer cells, actively prevents the formation of the smallest blood vessels directly around the tumor, which are designed to deliver the latter the necessary nutrients. Naturally, this important substance actively prevents the development of cancer metastases.
Scientific studies also confirm the ability of red wine, or rather the substances it contains, to significantly thin the blood. Again, thanks to resveratrol, which simply prevents existing platelets (special blood cells that are directly involved in the formation of dense blood clots) from actively connecting. Actually, thus, red wine can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart attacks, and the same strokes.
It is impossible not to notice that resveratrol, which is part of red wine, is an excellent phytoestrogen. As a result, this substance is able to have an effect on the human body similar to the effect of estrogen hormones. In addition, there is some assumption among doctors (which has not yet been scientifically confirmed) that the same resveratrol is able to have the most beneficial effect on those patients who have diseases associated with an extremely low level of the hormone estrogen in their body.
Health benefits of red wine
Of course, high quality red wine is rich in vitamins and microelements. Of the trace elements that are contained in red wine, it should be mentioned: manganese, titanium, and magnesium. Such wine contains a certain amount of iodine, cobalt, potassium, phosphorus, and rubidium (and it is rubidium that is designed to strengthen our nervous system).
The vitamins that make up red wine include: vitamins C and B, vitamin PP, and numerous acids, many esters and aldehydes. Most of the previously listed substances can perfectly tone the human body and even reduce high blood pressure.
Some other unique substances have also been noticed in the composition of red wine. Namely, these are anthocyanins that color wine. These substances have antibiotic properties.
In addition, elements were found in red wine that act as so-called traps for certain harmful molecules that are constantly formed in the body of each person during everyday nutrition.
As a result, moderate consumption of red wines strengthens our arteries, significantly reduces blood cholesterol levels, and even counteracts the development of cardiovascular disease. Drinking wine slows down the aging process of our tissues. Red wines, even in the elderly, significantly increase vitality.
One important point should also be noted - all the above properties and useful substances are inherent only in natural high-quality red grape wines. The described properties do not apply at all to other alcoholic beverages, even the weakest ones.
Such drinks may well have certain beneficial qualities, however, of course, one should not confuse such drinks with high-quality red wine.
Harm from drinking red wine
The vast majority of physicians are convinced that it is not so much red wine that can cause harm, but an excessive amount of it. Really red wine can bring maximum benefit to a person only when quality wine is drunk directly with food and in moderation.
Definitely, you should not even think that if red wine is healthy and has a lot of valuable substances, then such a drink can be consumed daily in unlimited quantities.
Modern medicine believes that the risks of causing certain damage to human health increase significantly with the daily use of red wine in an amount of about 500 grams (while even half the indicated dose may be enough for women).
Excessive uncontrolled consumption of red wine by a person can lead to dangerous disorders in the activity of the heart muscle, liver, and, of course, to mental disorders.
Without a doubt, the main disadvantages of high-quality red wine can be associated solely with the content of a certain proportion of alcohol in this drink. However, even moderate consumption of red wine can lead to headaches. Such pains are caused by a special substance that is part of the wine. This is a substance called tannin. Recall that this substance gives the wine itself its beautiful red color, as well as the sharpness of the resulting taste.
Tannin is found directly in the skin of high quality grapes. But whether you will feel such headaches after drinking wine or not depends on the susceptibility of your particular body to tannin. Actually from individual susceptibility will depend on how strong such a headache can be.
It is impossible not to say about the calorie content of red wine. After all, 125 milliliters of red wine usually contains about 80 calories. Many will say that this is not so much at all. However, you must admit that this is quite a weighty argument leading to the reasonable use of wine.
It should be noted that red wine consumed in excessively large quantities (say more than 50 grams per day) can significantly slow down reactions and reduce a person's concentration. As a consequence, all this may well lead to a wide variety of accidents or dangerous cases, especially when driving on highways.
The main threats to human health are associated with the negative effects of alcohol. Although it cannot be said that only red wine affects the human body in this way. Of course, in this case we are talking about any drink containing alcohol. So, the most dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol are:
- development of cirrhosis of the liver.
- A sharp increase in pressure,.
- The development of various forms.
- The development of cancerous neoplasms in the stomach.
The most important thing that I would like to note about red wine is a drink that requires strict control and moderation of use. And only in this case, red wine will bring exceptional benefits to the human body.
