1- Cardiovascular protection
Red wine protects against coronary heart disease and stroke. Thanks to one of its components, resveratrol, it reduces the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. As Fernando Cabrera Bueno, a doctor specialising in cardiology at the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital in Malaga, points out, toasting with red wine helps to reduce obesity and LD cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
2- Prevents Alzheimer’s disease
Another healthy reason to toast with wine is that it can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The Neurochemistry research team at the University of Castilla-La Mancha has demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Red wine is a drink with numerous antioxidant effects, mainly due to polyphenols, including the aforementioned resveratrol molecules.
3- Helps to lose weight
Resveratrol has also been inversely related to obesity. As Dr Anna Tresserra, Researcher at the Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy at the University of Barcelona, has pointed out, red wine is rich in flavonols, anthocyanidins, phenolic acids and stilbenes, such as resveratrol. All of these are bioactive compounds which, in the context of a Mediterranean diet, show an inverse relationship with obesity.
4- Prevents insulin resistance
Wine does not contain glycidic products that can be assimilated by humans, so there is no alteration in the metabolic balance of a diabetic patient. Dr Trasserra has also reported on recent experimental animal studies in which the polyphenols in wine have a beneficial effect on glycaemia by inhibiting glucose absorption in the intestine and increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle and liver.
5- Improves intestinal microbiota
Polyphenols also play an important role in the diet, as they serve to modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis. According to numerous scientific publications, polyphenols can have a positive effect on chronic intestinal disorders.
It is important to bear in mind that consumption should be responsible and moderate. Those who abuse it can end up with serious health problems. There are also certain segments of the population, such as pregnant women, patients with certain diseases such as heart or liver failure, or an intolerance to alcohol. At Bodegas Murillo Viteri we encourage you to enjoy a good glass of wine and to toast with wine whenever you have the opportunity, as it is beneficial for your mood and happiness 🙂