Red Wine
A cultured drink with many health benefits
|
|
|
Despite popular belief, microorganisms such
as bacteria and yeast have many good uses, including in our bodies. Probiotics are microorganisms
that reside in the human body, primarily in the stomach and intestines, and maintain a symbiotic
relationship. In fact many of these bacteria and yeasts have become vital to our health.
Maintaining an adequate amount of probiotics is important, and fortunately relatively easy to
do.
For centuries humans have been fermenting their food and drinks, which generally includes adding
specific bacteria and yeast to help complete the process. Dairy is undoubtedly the most common form
of food to use probiotics. From cheese and yogurt to certain breads and delicious drinks, humans
have been keeping their internal microorganisms well balanced with the proper diet.
Of course we people do not go about thinking how to keep the bacteria in their body healthy and
well, particularly after spending so much money on antibacterials and fighting off infections. When
you think about eating probiotics it may kill your appetite; however, this becomes less of a
problem when you consider something as tasty and enjoyable as red wine.
Health Benefits of Red Wine
As more research is done on the health benefits of red wine, new information proves that it is not
only as satisfying drink, it is a has a wide range of positive effects. Most people have heard
about how good a glass can be for the heart. Recently, scientists and researchers have also
discovered that some of the compounds in grapes have a very positive reaction with bacteria in our
stomaches. This was discovered when the research showed that red wine can neutralize some pathogens
we ingest. The strange dual nature has been fascinating since it stops or destroys negative
microorganisms but do nothing to inhibit bacteria already residing in our stomach.
Naturally, not all red wines are equal; some, like Cabernet and Merlot, are more aggressive against
things like Salmonella and E. coli. Some of food borne pathogens can create other problems, like
stomach ulcers, so it is important to encourage the beneficial bacterias while eliminating the
elements that can cause nausea, intestinal problems, or serious medical conditions. Having the
choice to drink red wine, in moderate quantities, and knowing that it is not only assisting in
mellowing your attitude but working with your body’s defenses and probiotics makes it difficult to
turn down a daily glass. Now you don’t have to.
Red Wine History and Culture
With one of the longest histories of any probiotic aids, red wine has been around since roughly
6000 BC. The European influence on wine dates back to around 4500 BC, and was widely enjoyed for
centuries, from the ancient Greeks and Romans, through the Bezintine Empire. The Greek’s even
designated a god of wine to celebrate their love for the drink. Ironically, the English word, wine,
stems from an early form of German. It is an integral part of the Roman Catholic Church’s Eucharist
and is blessed during the Jewish Kiddush. Now wine is mostly closely thought of in conjunction with
the French. With such a rich history and wide range of cultural significance, wine has been
celebrated long before people knew how beneficial it could be.
Future of Red Wine
Red wine’s popularity has never really flagged, not in the 8000 years that humans have been
consuming it. Even during alcohols darkest days in America, wine was given a free pass to continue
being consumed, thanks to the Volstead Act, which allowed wines consumption for religions purposes.
Of course this Act allowed for many abuses of the system, but knowing what we know about wine’s
benefits, it could now be argued that it is a requirement for some for medicinal purposes.
Today, red wine is not only acknowledged as a healthy drink in the right amounts, it is marketed by
many of the healthier food stuffs, like Wholefoods. And perhaps one of the best things is that wine
can be made at home. You will need to conduct a good amount of research and make sure that you
follow the instructions to the letter. Like other types of alcohol, it takes a very focused and
detail-oriented approach to make red wine that is delicious and healthy. If done wrong, you are
more likely to produce something that is unhealthy, so that it will cause more problems than health
benefits. If you are like most people and do not have the time, know that many of the well known
brands of red wine are available at more reasonable prices. Do keep an eye out for those like Pinot
Noir and Shiraz that have shown that have shown that are most effective at protecting probiotics
and countering food borne pathogens.
Whatever your reasons for drinking red wine, for one of the many health benefits or to relax at the
end of a difficult day, remember to drink in moderation and don’t drive. Just kick back, relax, sip
the wine, and know that you are not only relieving stress, you are helping both your heart and your
digestive system.
|
|
The above information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace
competent health care advice received from a knowledgeable healthcare professional. You are urged to
seek healthcare advice for the treatment of any illness or disease. The statements made within this
website have not been evaluated by Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration (USA). These
statements and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease. |
 Back to top |
 Print this
page |  Bookmark this page
|
