It has long been known that red wine provides a variety of health benefits when it is consumed in moderation. Many of the health benefits provided by red wine come from the skin of red grapes. This means that people who choose not to drink alcohol or wine can get its health benefits in other forms. Many women also find that red wine helps to soothe some of their menopausal symptoms.
What Are the Health Benefits of Red Wine?
Health benefits of red wine include:
- Reducing the risk of blood clots
- Lowering levels of bad cholesterol
- Preventing damage to the blood vessels in the heart
- Maintaining a healthy blood pressure
Can Grape Juice Substitute?
Although grape juice can provide some benefits, it is better to eat unprocessed red grapes in their whole form. This is because the majority of a grape's health benefits are found in the skin and seeds, two parts that are often removed to make grape juice and white wine. In addition, grape juice has a very high sugar content and is not recommended for people with diabetes.
What's the Best Way to Get the Health Benefits That Grapes Provide?
Although there are supplements and grape powders on the market that can be taken to get the health benefits of grapes, there are also natural ways to get these benefits that provide additional benefits and help maintain a well-balanced diet.
Red grapes
Eating red grapes is a great way to get the health benefits that lie within their skins. Along with these benefits, eating red grapes also provides a good source of dietary fiber and the water content can help keep you full and hydrated.
Red wine
Red wine not only provides the health benefits of red grapes, but many people also greatly enjoy drinking the occasional glass of red wine. One hardly needs to elaborate on the relaxation and enjoyment that comes from sitting down to enjoy a nice glass of red wine.
Grape juice
Grape juice provides an alternative for those who do not drink alcohol. However, be careful with the high sugar content present in many grape juices. Make sure that the grape juice you purchase is 100% juice.
More research continues to be done to discover the full health benefits of red grapes and wine. For example, resveratrol is a naturally found in the skin of grapes and other fruits, and its potential health benefits are often touted. However, there is little evidence that resveratrol has health benefits for humans.
It's also important to keep in mind that other alcoholic beverages - such as beer, white wine, and spirits - may also provide certain health benefits. Click on the following link for further information about treating menopause symptoms.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart? Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281
- Zeratsky, K. (2014). Nutrition and healthy eating. Retrieved November 18, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/food-and-nutrition/faq-20058529