Consumption of red wine has been demonstrated to have many health benefits, primarily involving the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems. Although the alcohol component of red wine thins blood and inhibits clotting, it also depresses the nervous system, its metabolites are toxic to the body and it is habit-forming. For people who want the established benefits of red wine without the negative effects of alcohol, sulfites and impurities, capsules of red wine concentrate, or extract, are available.
Benefits of Flavonoids
According to MayoClinic.com, the studies supporting the benefits of red wine mainly involve antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been found to protect the lining of blood vessels. Antioxidants protect blood vessels and other tissues by destroying free radicals, which are products of oxidation within the body and primarily responsible for aging, deterioration and, potentially, cancer. Polyphenol-based antioxidants come in two main forms, one of which is flavonoids.
Flavonoids are present in red wine as proanthocyanidins, which mostly come from the grape seeds that are crushed during the process of wine making. According to "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition," research has found that proanthocyanidins have anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antiallergenic properties, in addition to being major free-radical scavengers. Consequently, proanthocyanidins promote blood vessel elasticity, prevent bruising, help to heal injuries, reduce swelling, restore collagen and improve peripheral circulation.
Benefits of Resveratrol
The other form of polyphenol-based antioxidants is non-flavonoids. MayoClinic.com notes that the most commonly studied non-flavonoid in red wine is resveratrol, because it seems to be able to prevent arteries from becoming clogged with fatty blockages. Further, resveratrol has demonstrated anti-clotting effects that prevent the formation of blood clots, called thrombi. Thrombi can block smaller blood vessels and increase the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, resveratrol is one of the most powerful antioxidants known, much stronger than vitamin C, which may explain its demonstrated anti-cancer effects. Resveratrol also promotes the formation of new dendrites in the brain, which may help combat Alzheimer's disease. Red wine concentrate is a rich source of resveratrol because red wine is fermented with the skin, seeds, leaves and twigs of the grape vines, where resveratrol resides. White wine, by comparison, is fermented only from the pressed juice of the grape.
Benefits of Tannins
Tannins are astringent, bitter polyphenols that cause grapes to ripen and wines to age. Within concentrated red wine capsules, tannins can have a variety of positive effects on the body. According to "Nutrition Management and Restorative Dining for Older Adults," tannins are used medicinally as anti-diarrhea and anti-hemorrhoid compounds. Tannins also display anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for gastritis and bowel irritation, as well as moderate antimicrobial effects.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Red Wine and Resveratrol: Good for Your Heart?
- "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition"; Martha Stipanuk; 2006
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Resveratrol
- "Nutrition Management and Restorative Dining for Older Adults"; Gretchen E. Robinson; 2001
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