Many of us keep a balanced diet, try to limit desserts, breads, and empty calories – and then ask ourselves: “Is a glass of wine with a meal a good choice or unnecessary?” So here’s good news – not only is wine, and especially dry red wine, considered not a bad choice at all – it is also rich in powerful antioxidants, with particularly impressive health effects.
What is in wine that makes it so special?
Dry red wine contains polyphenols, and especially a component called resveratrol – a powerful antioxidant found in the grape skin. These antioxidants improve blood circulation, help reduce the risk of heart events, may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and strokes, help prevent cancerous processes, and there is even evidence that they slow down aging processes at the cellular level. And all of this in a glass of wine that contains only about 100 calories – less than a slice of cake or a standard dessert.
A study published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that moderate consumption of red wine (up to one glass per day for women and up to two for men) was associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory markers in the blood, improved lipid profile, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome.
Another study published at Harvard University followed about 20,000 people and found that those who consumed red wine moderately experienced less mortality from heart disease over time compared to those who completely avoided alcohol – but the benefit disappeared when wine consumption was excessive.
Why specifically Israeli wine?
Here the Israeli sun radiation comes into play – and this is actually excellent news.
In grapes, and especially in their skins, antioxidant substances called polyphenols and resveratrol are produced. The role of these substances in nature is to protect the plant against strong UV radiation, pests, and diseases. The more the grape is “exposed” to sunlight and environmental stress, the more defense mechanisms it produces – meaning more antioxidants.
In Israel, the Mediterranean climate – strong sun, high temperatures, and intense radiation – causes grapes to develop a particularly high concentration of these components. Studies conducted in Israel found that Israeli wines contain twice as many active components and antioxidants compared to wines that come even from other sunny regions such as France or Spain.
The implication is that every glass of Israeli red wine provides not only a unique taste but also a higher concentration of those substances associated with reducing oxidation processes, protecting the heart, and maintaining blood vessel health.
Red or white?
Dry red wine has the highest concentration of antioxidants.
Semi-dry or sweet wine contains much less.
White wines contain almost no resveratrol at all.
In addition, many people ask: “If I opened a bottle of red wine and left it open in the fridge – do the antioxidants ‘spoil’?” So the surprising answer is: No!
The oxidation of polyphenols is enzymatic, but there are no active enzymes in wine – so the components are preserved well even a few days after opening, as long as the bottle is tightly closed and stored cold.
What about those who don’t drink alcohol at all? Luckily, resveratrol and other antioxidants also exist in a wide variety of foods, including those found in every home:
Red or purple grapes (especially the skin!)
Berries – blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and currants
Plums, red apples, and pomegranates
Natural cocoa and quality dark chocolate (over 85%)
Peanuts and certain nuts
Therefore, even those who do not drink wine at all can benefit from the same active components through a smart and varied diet.
So before the holiday it’s good to know: A glass of dry red wine every now and then – especially if it’s Israeli – can be not only a tasty addition to a meal but also a real health boost. But for those who don’t drink alcohol – don’t worry: Antioxidants are also available in nature, in fruit, nuts, dark chocolate, and quality tea.
For Dr. Maya Rosman’s course: How to improve health and how to lose weight in a sensible and reasonable way click here