Friday night calls for movie night with lots of popcorn paired with a glass of red wine. It’s a beverage enjoyed by many and is offered in a wide variety of flavors to choose from.
When we think about wine, most of us know that it comes from juicy grapes. The only grapes involved in the making of red wine are red and black grapes. Along with the pulp and skin of the grapes, the alcohol is created through a fermentation process where yeast and sugar are added ingredients. The grape skins used in the process give red wine its rich color.
Common Types of Red Wine
There are hundreds of different brands, tastes, and flavors of red wine out there. It is common to try out different types of flavors before settling on the one that you love.
Knowing where the wine is made and what kinds of flavors it has can help you narrow down your search for the perfect red wine for you.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: One of the most popular types of wine that is consumed all around the world. This wine commonly hails from France, California, Italy, Chile, and Argentina. Flavor notes include black cherry, olive, black pepper, vanilla. Best when paired with red meat.
- Pinot Noir: A wine enjoyed by many, Pinot Noir has grapes found in California, Oregon, New Zealand, Argentina, Germany, Chile, and South Africa. Flavor notes include raspberry, cherry, cola, plum, licorice. Can be enjoyed with most foods.
- Malbec: Malbec has slowly been gaining popularity. Made in Argentina, California, and Washington. You can taste flavors of sour cherry and spice. Best when paired with meats and other proteins.
- Merlot: A popular choice among consumers. Grown in France, California, South Africa, Chile, Spain, and Italy. You can taste notes of strawberry, watermelon, plum, cherry, spice, and licorice. Pair with lamb or pork.
- Syrah (Shiraz): Last but not the least, Syrah is made in France, California, Australia, Spain, South Africa, Italy. You can tase hints of olive, blackberry, spice, clove, plum. Best when paired with meats like lamb and pork.
Benefits of Red Wine
The French have been doing it right when it comes to red wine. There has been much research done on red wine and consumption in France, resulting in reports of lower death rates (in regards to death from heart disease) and reduced effects of cancer when compared to the United States.
When enjoyed in moderation, red wine can actually lower cholesterol, promote weight loss and keep your heart happy.
1. Lowers Cholesterol
Red wine contains an ingredient known as resveratrol, which helps in lowering cholesterol and preventing damage to blood vessels. Studies show that individuals who consume red wine in moderation and on a regular basis have reduced risks of developing cardiovascular diseases.
2. Fights Obesity
Piceatannol is a component found in grapes that target immature fat cells. Similar in structure to resveratrol, piceatannol destroys the immature fat cells before they are able to develop. Piceatannol also inhibits insulin activity that directly relates to the formation of fat cells, thereby, stopping weight gain.
3. Contains Antioxidants
During the natural process of oxidation, when our body breaks down food particles, energy and free radicals are released. Our body fights free radicals naturally, but sometimes this is not enough. A build-up of free radicals leads to harmful diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.
Red wine contains a high amount of antioxidants that can help destroy free radicals and enhance the immune system in the process. The antioxidants can help to reduce risks of diseases and prevent the formation of harmful tumors.
4. Promotes Heart Health
Research indicates that drinking red wine can reduce cardiovascular diseases. Red wine contains beneficial properties that hinder the accumulation of fats in the artery walls. Resveratrol, a component of red wine, protects the heart from tissue damage and reduces cholesterol in the blood.
Red wine also consists of quercetin, which helps in regulating blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and promotes a healthy heart.
5. Boosts Brain Power
As if resveratrol couldn’t get any better, this powerful component can also keep your memory sharp! Drinking red wine has been linked to preventing Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re the type of person that enjoys solving puzzles with a glass of wine, you’re already ahead of the curve.
Cooking with Red Wine
Red wine doesn’t have to stop at a glass. There are tons of ways to play with red wine when it comes to cooking. You can use red wine to make a delicious sauce for your steak or mix it into a meal to add a deeper flavor to your food.
Who can turn down a glass of red wine after reading all these health benefits? Remember, red wine should not be binged on but instead should be had in moderation. It is recommended to not drink more than 2 glasses of red wine in a day.
Red wine does contain alcohol and can impair your decision-making skills. Do not drink if you are underage. You should also not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking this beverage.
Consult your doctor to make sure you can consume red wine if you have medical conditions or are on any medication. Alcohol should not be consumed if you are pregnant.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Babcock, C. (2017, November 16). Piceatannol in Red Wine Destroys Fat Cells & Blocks Gene Activation for Fat Storage. Retrieved March 21, 2018, from https://draxe.com/benefits-of-red-wine/
8 Reasons To Love Red Wine. (2017, January 30). Retrieved March 21, 2018, from https://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/health-benefits-of-red-wine/slide/4
Red Wine Information & Basics | Wine Enthusiast. (2018, March 08). Retrieved March 21, 2018, from https://www.winemag.com/2015/10/27/red-wine-basics/
Get the door. It’s the liquor store. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21, 2018, from https://drizly.com/red-wine-101/e-8775528e9fb8cbe5
