Enjoying a glass of red wine at the end of the day may do more than just help you relax. The antioxidants found in the skin and seeds of red grapes have been shown to improve heart health, prevent tumor growth in certain cancers and decrease the incidence of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, according the Yale-New Haven Hospital website. Flavonoids, resveratrols and polyphenols, three antioxidants found in red wine, provide the nutritional benefits to potentially improve your health.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids have been associated with the protection of heart health. Research has found that they decrease LDL "bad" cholesterol production, increase HDL "good" cholesterol production, and decrease blood clotting. A study at the University of California at Davis, cited on YNHH.org, showed drier reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to hold higher levels of flavonoids than their sweeter counterparts, including Red Zinfandels and Merlots.
Resveratrols
Resveratrols are antioxidants found in the skin of red grapes. They have been shown to inhibit tumor growth in certain cancers and assist in nerve cell development, according to a February 1998 article in the "Cornell Chronicle." It is hoped that resveratrol's ability to encourage the formation of nerve cells may eventually help in treatment of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurological diseases. Pinot Noir has been particularly praised for its higher levels of resveratrols in comparison to fellow reds.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols have been shown to offset toxic plaque in two ways, according to a November 2008 UC Newsroom article on the website of the University of California. First, they inhibit the formation of proteins that create a plaque believed to destroy brain cells. Second, polyphenols reduce the toxicity of plaque that has already formed. By reducing the toxicity of plaque, deterioration of brain cells is diminished. When evaluating red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon has one of the highest polyphenol levels.
Servings
It is important to note that for maximum benefit, women should consume only one 4-ounce serving of red wine per day, while men should consume only one to two 4-ounce servings per day. Please note that if you do not currently consume alcohol it is not recommended that you start. However, if you're selecting your red wines for maximum health benefit, select those with high antioxidant levels such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
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