Wine – and especially red wine – is very complex in terms of its chemical structure and composition.
Researchers foundΒ that resveratrol plays a key role in preventing RGC death and boosting mitochondrial biogenesis. AnotherΒ studyΒ found that resveratrol helps prevent light-induced retinal damage and RGC death.
Similarly, quercetin is known toΒ reduce inflammationΒ andΒ oxidative stress, both of which are highly correlated to the development of eye diseases.
Polyphenols have proven to be effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing free radical damage, both of which are associated with cardiovascular disease. Researchers have confirmed as much; red wine, because it contains polyphenol antioxidants, can protect the heart.
AnotherΒ studyΒ published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Disease research reported that drinking red wine can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries. The Journal of Molecular Medicine alsoΒ studiedΒ the effect of red wine on atherosclerosis and yielded some interesting results. They also found that those with small to moderate red wine intake had a decreased mortality rate due to heart disease. However, people who drink excessive amounts of red wine, or those who didnβt drink any red wine, had a higher risk of dying from cardiac disease.
Other studies:
- This studyΒ found that resveratrol protects the heart from stroke damage, cholesterol accumulation, and improves blood circulation and overall vascular health.
- This studyΒ found that quercetin is effective at regulating blood pressure and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the cardiovascular system.
Oxidative stress is known to play a role in a long list of serious chronic conditions, includingΒ Alzheimerβs,Β arthritis, cancer,Β diabetes, autoimmune diseases, Parkinsonβs,Β macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
InΒ one study, researchers found that the resveratrol in red wine has neuroprotective properties and can protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimerβs. They also found that it plays a role in preventing the build-up of beta-amyloid plaque, which can be found in the brain of Alzheimerβs patients.
As already mentioned, the antioxidants in red wine also reduce free radical damage and inflammation, both of which commonly underpin cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
The high polyphenol levels in red wine make it a better regulator of glucose levels than white wine. Red wine has nearly 1000% more polyphenols and inhibited glucose absorption enzymes 5 times more than white wine.