For a long time, the idea that wine is a drink that, even if alcoholic, can bring health benefits has been widespread. Several scientific studies suggest that moderate consumption of the drink can have positive effects on cardiovascular and immune health. But why does this happen and to what extent is it true?
According to nutritionist Durval Ribas Filho, president of the Brazilian Association of Nutrition (Abran), red wine has a good amount of polyphenols, antioxidant components that can, in fact, bring benefits to the cardiovascular system.
“Despite the large amount of resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, other polyphenols are present and, with this, arterial dilation also occurs, facilitating blood circulation, antiplatelet action, reducing the formation of thrombi in blood vessels and favoring neuroprotection”, explains Ribas Filho to CNN. “Another important factor is that polyphenols reduce the possibility of LDL cholesterol [considerado ruim] be oxidized, and therefore prevents atherosclerosis”, he adds.
Nutritionist Daniela Cierro, technical consultant for the Brazilian Nutrition Association (Asbran), also talks about the health benefits that moderate wine consumption can offer. “It can provide benefits such as preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer, in addition to having a protective effect on the nervous system. All of this is thanks to a series of components present in wine, such as anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, catechins, procyanidins and polyphenols,” lists the specialist. CNN.
Among the polyphenols, Cierro highlights resveratrol, a bioactive compound of plant origin that is not synthesized by the body — that is, it is not produced naturally in our organism and must be obtained through food. “It has this protective action for health through its antioxidants, in addition to having anti-inflammatory action,” he says.
What does science say?
A review published in 2019 linked red wine consumption to a lower risk of coronary artery disease and, consequently, may have benefits for cardiovascular health. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) emphasizes that a cause-and-effect relationship is not clear, meaning other factors may be involved in this benefit, such as a healthier diet.
Another study, published in 2015, showed that drinking a glass of wine with a healthy diet can reduce cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes. Scientists believe that the ethanol in wine plays a role in glucose metabolism. However, more research is needed to confirm the findings.
In 2018, a study showed that polyphenols in red wine can improve gut microbiota, contributing to a healthy gut. According to the researchers, these compounds may act as prebiotics, which are compounds that stimulate healthy gut bacteria. However, research is limited, and doctors need more evidence to understand the true effects of red wine on gut health.
Two other studies, published in 2015 and 2018, showed that resveratrol, found in red wine, may also be beneficial for brain health. The first suggests a protective effect against secondary brain damage after a stroke or injury to the central nervous system. The second showed that the component reduced oxidative stress and cell death in rats with traumatic brain injury.
Are benefits also found in other types of wine?
According to Ribas Filho, the beneficial components found mainly in red wine can also be found in white wine. However, the amount of polyphenols is lower in the second case.
“This beneficial property of wine is mainly present in the grape skin. In red wine, there is more grape skin, so there is more resveratrol,” explains Cierro. “In white wines, there is a much smaller amount compared to red wine, but it is always important to read the wine labels, especially the list of ingredients, to find out if they contain sugar and other components that, when added together, are more abundant than grapes,” advises the nutritionist.
Despite the benefits, caution is needed
Both experts emphasize that the benefits of red wine are offered by moderate consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a daily intake of 90 ml for women and 180 ml for men to be “moderate”. This is equivalent to one and two glasses, respectively. Doses above this amount can be harmful to health.
“The risks [do consumo exagerado de vinho] there are many: decreased ability to discern, increased likelihood of developing cancer, increased stroke, increased liver disease, overweight and obesity, among others,” warns Ribas Filho.
“Consuming any alcoholic beverage in excess can cause several problems, from that famous hangover the next day, which is the result of alcohol intoxication accompanied by dehydration, to liver disease, pancreatitis, hypertension, immune dysfunction, gastritis, ulcers and cardiovascular diseases,” adds Cierro.
Therefore, it is essential to emphasize that experts do not encourage the consumption of alcoholic beverages. “We are talking about the benefits that grapes provide, mainly,” emphasizes the nutritionist.
Recently, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs analyzed 107 published studies that addressed the relationship between alcohol consumption habits and longevity. The article showed that many of the studies had flaws in their methodology, that is, in the way they were conducted, which suggests that the health effects of wine may not be as beneficial as previously thought.
