Grape skins offer a high concentration of polyphenols, natural chemicals that plants produce to protect themselves from environmental stress, including sun damage, fungus and insects. These polyphenols are high in anti-oxidants, which are good for you. In moderate amounts, red wine, which has these polyphenols -- specifically flavonoids and resveratrol -- can be good for your heart. Dry red wines offer an addition health benefit -- more resveratrol.
Red Wine
Red wine is made with the whole grapes, including the skins. The skins contain the anti-oxidant rich polyphenols, which fight cell damage. White wines do not offer this health benefit, because the skins are removed. Polyphenol content of red wine varies, depending on the type of grape and the growing region.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a potent polyphenol anti-oxidant in certain red wines, may inhibit tumor growth in some cancers and aid in nerve-cell formation, which might have potential for treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, according to Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Highest Flavonoid Content
Dry red wines supply the highest concentrations of flavonoids. Cabernet sauvignon has the highest level of flavonoids, according to Yale-New Haven Hospital. The two runners-up are petit syrah and pinot noir. The sweeter the red wine, the lower the flavonoid levels.
Cabernet sauvignon also contains quercetin, which can help to widen blood vessels and reduce blood clots. Quercetin is also an anti-oxidant. It's commonly used to treat allergies and boost immunity.
Considerations
Dark red wines including cabernet sauvignon and Madiran, rank as among the healthiest in the world, according the "Wine Enthusiast Magazine." Red wine has health benefits only if it's consumed in moderation, though. Men should limit alcohol consumption to one to two 4-oz. glasses a day, and women should drink only one glass a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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