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Introduction

One of the traditional alcoholic beverages that have been consumed for thousands of years is wine, which is prepared by fermenting grape must. Wine can be classified into white, red, and rose wines based on its alcohol content, sweetness, grape variety, geographical locations of vineyards, viticulture practices, fermentation, and aging techniques. Red wine is made by fermenting the grape must along with the pomace or solid parts of the fruit like skin and seeds. Red wine has been wheeled out to hold health-benefitting properties owing to the presence of functional compounds in it.

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Red Wine: Types and Alcohol Content

There are six principal types of grapes that are used in the preparation of red wine namely cabernet sauvignon, chianti, merlot, pinot noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel. Some of the best types of red wine for consumption based on their antioxidant content, and flavor are: Syrah or shiraz (the world’s deepest red wine with intense flavors), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon (undergoes an oak treatment that blends cabernet franc and merlot), Malbec (possess the flavors of berries, spice, and plums), Pinot noir (a variety that is difficult to grow and is rarely blended), Zinfandel (a versatile variety of grape that produces wines that are white to blush to rich red wines), Barbera (possess silky texture) and Sangiovese (has the taste of plums and berries). Red wine alcohol percentage ranges from 12% to 15%. Pinot noir and Bordeaux has 13% to 14% of alcohol while Malbec wines have 13.5% to 15% of alcohol content in them.

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Bioactive Component in Red Wine: Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid polyphenol found in grape skin, berries, peanuts, and cocoa. Several studies have displayed resveratrol effects on atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, and hypertension. It exhibits cardioprotective effects by lowering LDL-cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, and improves endothelial functions. It also acts as an antioxidant and helps in anti-inflammation.

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Bioactive Component in Red Wine: Flavones and Flavonols

Flavonoids abundantly found in wine include flavones, quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. Luteolin is the flavones in grapes that possess biological properties, namely anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective. Flavonols in red wine include quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Quercetin and rutin show antioxidant activity and are protective again myocardial infarction.

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Bioactive Component in Red Wine: Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins such as cyaniding, delphinidin, malvidin, petunidin, pelargonidin, and peonidin in red wine and grapes range from 90 to 400 ng/mL. Evidence shows that anthocyanins help lower coronary heart disease and prevent chronic inflammation.

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Bioactive Component in Red Wine: Tannins

The amount of tannin may range from 1.1 to 3.4 g/L. Studies have revealed tannins to portray radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities. Tannins are responsible for the astringent flavor in the wine.

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Antioxidant Properties of Red Wine

The most effective antioxidants in wine include resveratrol, catechins, and anthocyanins. The antioxidants in the red, and purple grapes have been fruitful in heart diseases, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, hypertension, and diabetes.

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Benefits of Red Wine on Heart Health

Studies showed that light to moderate red wine consumption for three or more days a week turned down the risk of heart attacks when compared to those who drank red wine less than or twice a week. Another study found that consuming red wine containing about 30g of alcohol every day for four weeks increased apolipoprotein A1 and A2 levels and HDL-cholesterol levels among men who were at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Benefits of Red Wine on Blood Pressure

Dealcoholized red wine consumption is known to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Red wine aids in escalating nitrogen oxide levels thereby relaxing the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

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Benefits of Red Wine in Diabetes

A study that evaluated the effects of moderate red wine consumption on diabetes revealed that red wine lowered blood glucose levels and reduced the incidence of diabetes. Red wine may also aid in reducing plasma insulin and improving insulin sensitivity.

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Benefits of Red Wine on Lipid Profile

Studies found that regularly consuming moderate amounts of red wine improved HDL cholesterol levels. Animal studies showed that red wine intake reduced LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Another study showed that red wine consumption among obese individuals helped reduce LDL cholesterols levels and increased antioxidant and paraoxonase activities thereby proving beneficial in controlling lipid levels.

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Red Wine Benefits for Skin

Red wine’s benefits for the skin have been revealed by several studies. Antioxidants in red wine help in promoting the growth of active cells and fights aging. Blemishes and black patches on the skin may also be reduced with the application of red wine as it helps in preventing cell oxidation and boosts complexion. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of red wine keep skin safe from scars, pimples, and acne.

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Recommended Intake

Like any other alcoholic drink, wine can also cause side effects when consumed above limits. It is recommended to consume alcohol in moderation which includes up to one drink (5 ounces or 148 mL) a day for men (more than 65 years of age) and women (of all ages). Men younger than 65 years of age can consume up to two drinks a day since they have more enzymes than women to metabolize the alcohol.

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Risk Factors of Overconsumption

The side effects of excess intake of red wine or any alcohol can be addictive and worsen health. Accidents, suicide, violence, pancreas and liver disease, obesity, and heart problems are some of the risk factors for excess consumption of alcohol.

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Who Should Avoid Consuming Red Wine?

Pregnant women, people with liver or pancreatic disease that is aroused due to alcohol intake, heart failure patients, and people with a history of alcohol use disorder should refrain from consuming alcohol, including red wine.