The Health Benefits of Lambrusco

Lambrusco -- a fizzy red wine from Italy -- earned a reputation as a sugary, unrefined drink in the '70s and '80s. Remember Riunite? But the sparkling red has made a comeback, and like all red wines, drinking this vino provides plenty of health benefits.

It Guards Your Heart

Polyphenols are antioxidants in red wine, and they are nearly as good as aspirin at preventing blood clots. Atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries due to fatty plaque in blood vessels, is typically the cause of heart attacks. The rate of atherosclerosis decreased by as much as 32 percent among participants who drank red wine regularly, according to an analysis by the American Heart Association 3.

It Has Anti-Aging Properties

Although the effect of red wine on aging has been controversial, a study published in "Science" magazine in 2013 confirmed that resveratrol -- one of the polyphenol antioxidants found in grape skins and red wine -- can help fight the negative effects of aging. In the study, researchers confirmed that resveratrol stimulates the release of SIRT1, a serum that fights diseases and helps keep the effects of aging at bay.

It Fights Cancer

Resveratrol has another important benefit: It fights cancer. A study from the University of Virginia found that even drinking one glass three or four times a week can fight off cancer cells. The reason -- resveratrol inhibits a protein that feeds cancer cells. That means drinking red wines, such as Lambruscos, essentially starves the disease.

Moderation Is Key

Although drinking some red wine provides health benefits, drinking too much hurts your liver and heart 3. One serving should be about 5 ounces, so always watch your pours. A study from the journal "Substance Abuse and Misuse" found that most people are unaware of how much wine they consume, especially when sharing a bottle with a group. One large factor relates to the size of the glass. Participants poured 12 percent more, on average, into wide wine glasses than tall and skinny glasses.