We here at Seniors Discount Club certainly enjoy the occasional glass of something special. A perfectly-timed tipple can evoke a feeling of serenity and well-being, after all. But if you take it a step further and sit back to inspect your chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon properly, you may discover that the health-giving potential of alcohol can go beyond the psychological.

Healthy-eating guru Professor Tim Spector believes that beverages such as wine can be packed full of ‘magic properties’ that could protect you from major illnesses. However, this great news comes with one slight condition – to avail yourself of the medical benefits of wine, it’s first essential to be savvy when it comes to store-bought varieties.

According to Professor Tim Spector, an expert in healthy eating, beverages like wine may contain a variety of "magic properties" that have the potential to protect against major illnesses. Photo by Timur Saglambilek.

Not all wines are created equal. Some bottles of wine, Prof Spector warns, can be as sugary as a can of soft drink. Others may contain allergens, and many have little to no chemical ingredients that are known to help fight disease and aid mental health.

Because of this, it’s important to understand just what’s in the glass you’re drinking. ‘Drink wine for pleasure, but at the back of your mind, think, 'Could I be trying different bottles or varieties that might be healthier for me?'’ the professor suggested.

As luck would have it, we have a better idea of which ‘healthy’ wines to choose courtesy of some scientific investigation.

Cool reds with the magic touch​

As you may already know, red wines tend to have higher levels of resveratrol than whites. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that can help to protect our blood vessels from damage, as well as prevent clots and reduce LDL (aka ‘bad’ cholesterol).

Interestingly, the riper the grapes, the higher the concentration of resveratrol tends to be. That’s why, for example, pinot noir usually has the most resveratrol out of all reds.

Potential belly benefits​

It’s not just heart health that red wine can potentially benefit. Prof Spector has collaborated with several studies, one of which examined the red wine consumption of over 900 female twins. The results showed that those who consumed the beverage had an increased bacterial diversity in their guts – a sign of good digestive health.

This indicates that alcohol when paired with the right gut microorganisms, can boost your overall immunity and potentially ward off diseases. ‘Despite the alcohol feeding your gut microbes, further down the chain, they pay you back by helping your immune system, heart, and metabolism in general,’ the professor advised.

His advice? Try as many different types of wine as possible so that you can reap the benefits of varying wine microbiome levels.

The impact of sugar and sulphite content in wine on health​

Now that we've touched on the benefits of certain types of wine, it's important also to consider the potential health impacts of sugar and sulphite content in our cherished beverages.

Sugars can sneakily creep into our daily consumption in ways that go unnoticed, and unfortunately, wine can be a significant culprit. As mentioned earlier, sugar levels can differ significantly between bottles, but there's a reason for that: the amount depends on how much sugar is left over after the grapes' fermentation process.

Generally, sweeter wines like dessert wines and certain bubbly varieties may contain higher sugar levels, which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to weight gain and other associated health risks. However, by opting for drier red wines, you can still keep your waistline in check without sacrificing those beneficial properties.

On the other hand, sulphites in wine have sparked conversations and concerns over their potential health effects. Ssulphites, or sulphur dioxide, are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

Key Takeaways

• A perfectly timed glass of wine may have 'magic properties' that help protect the body from severe illness, according to Professor Tim Spector.
• The prime 'magic' ingredient in wine is resveratrol, found in higher doses in red wine, and it may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
• Professor Spector believes that wine boosts health by increasing healthy levels of micro-organisms in our digestive systems, particularly in red wine drinkers.
• A healthy dose of red wine for men is one or two small glasses per day and one glass per day for women. It is also recommended to drink wine earlier in the evening to avoid disturbing sleep quality.

In conclusion, wine offers some surprising and delightful health benefits as long as we make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. So whether you fancy yourself an aficionado or simply want to explore the vast and vibrant varieties out there, always remember – it's not just about drinking wine, it's about drinking the right wine. Cheers to that!

Members, we would like to hear your thoughts on the story. Do you personally believe that wine has health benefits? While we’re at it, what’s your favourite tipple? Share your recommendations, especially if they’re good value.

 

[Harley1448]

We here at Seniors Discount Club certainly enjoy the occasional glass of something special. A perfectly-timed tipple can evoke a feeling of serenity and well-being, after all. But if you take it a step further and sit back to inspect your chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon properly, you may discover that the health-giving potential of alcohol can go beyond the psychological.

Healthy-eating guru Professor Tim Spector believes that beverages such as wine can be packed full of ‘magic properties’ that could protect you from major illnesses. However, this great news comes with one slight condition – to avail yourself of the medical benefits of wine, it’s first essential to be savvy when it comes to store-bought varieties.

View attachment 21526

According to Professor Tim Spector, an expert in healthy eating, beverages like wine may contain a variety of "magic properties" that have the potential to protect against major illnesses. Photo by Timur Saglambilek.

Not all wines are created equal. Some bottles of wine, Prof Spector warns, can be as sugary as a can of soft drink. Others may contain allergens, and many have little to no chemical ingredients that are known to help fight disease and aid mental health.

Because of this, it’s important to understand just what’s in the glass you’re drinking. ‘Drink wine for pleasure, but at the back of your mind, think, 'Could I be trying different bottles or varieties that might be healthier for me?'’ the professor suggested.

As luck would have it, we have a better idea of which ‘healthy’ wines to choose courtesy of some scientific investigation.

Cool reds with the magic touch​

As you may already know, red wines tend to have higher levels of resveratrol than whites. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that can help to protect our blood vessels from damage, as well as prevent clots and reduce LDL (aka ‘bad’ cholesterol).

Interestingly, the riper the grapes, the higher the concentration of resveratrol tends to be. That’s why, for example, pinot noir usually has the most resveratrol out of all reds.

Potential belly benefits​

It’s not just heart health that red wine can potentially benefit. Prof Spector has collaborated with several studies, one of which examined the red wine consumption of over 900 female twins. The results showed that those who consumed the beverage had an increased bacterial diversity in their guts – a sign of good digestive health.

This indicates that alcohol when paired with the right gut microorganisms, can boost your overall immunity and potentially ward off diseases. ‘Despite the alcohol feeding your gut microbes, further down the chain, they pay you back by helping your immune system, heart, and metabolism in general,’ the professor advised.

His advice? Try as many different types of wine as possible so that you can reap the benefits of varying wine microbiome levels.

The impact of sugar and sulphite content in wine on health​

Now that we've touched on the benefits of certain types of wine, it's important also to consider the potential health impacts of sugar and sulphite content in our cherished beverages.

Sugars can sneakily creep into our daily consumption in ways that go unnoticed, and unfortunately, wine can be a significant culprit. As mentioned earlier, sugar levels can differ significantly between bottles, but there's a reason for that: the amount depends on how much sugar is left over after the grapes' fermentation process.

Generally, sweeter wines like dessert wines and certain bubbly varieties may contain higher sugar levels, which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to weight gain and other associated health risks. However, by opting for drier red wines, you can still keep your waistline in check without sacrificing those beneficial properties.

On the other hand, sulphites in wine have sparked conversations and concerns over their potential health effects. Ssulphites, or sulphur dioxide, are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

Key Takeaways

• A perfectly timed glass of wine may have 'magic properties' that help protect the body from severe illness, according to Professor Tim Spector.
• The prime 'magic' ingredient in wine is resveratrol, found in higher doses in red wine, and it may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
• Professor Spector believes that wine boosts health by increasing healthy levels of micro-organisms in our digestive systems, particularly in red wine drinkers.
• A healthy dose of red wine for men is one or two small glasses per day and one glass per day for women. It is also recommended to drink wine earlier in the evening to avoid disturbing sleep quality.

In conclusion, wine offers some surprising and delightful health benefits as long as we make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. So whether you fancy yourself an aficionado or simply want to explore the vast and vibrant varieties out there, always remember – it's not just about drinking wine, it's about drinking the right wine. Cheers to that!

Members, we would like to hear your thoughts on the story. Do you personally believe that wine has health benefits? While we’re at it, what’s your favourite tipple? Share your recommendations, especially if they’re good value.

I have great faith in Green Ginger Wine as a good health ‘assistant’. I have been working now for more than 55 years, am still working basically full-time and have only ever had one day off work from a cold and have never had the ‘flu, that I am aware of. Occasionally the addition of a finger or two of Scotch to the glass is a welcome change.

 

[Cyberchook]

I have great faith in Green Ginger Wine as a good health ‘assistant’. I have been working now for more than 55 years, am still working basically full-time and have only ever had one day off work from a cold and have never had the ‘flu, that I am aware of. Occasionally the addition of a finger or two of Scotch to the glass is a welcome change.

And to think I have 2 bottles of unopened Green Ginger Wine and others I forgot about and many liqueurs/old port in my pantry. Need to check this out I always drank it 20 years ago or so

 

[Catherines]

This resveratrol has been known about for donkeys years.

 

[Ricki]

We here at Seniors Discount Club certainly enjoy the occasional glass of something special. A perfectly-timed tipple can evoke a feeling of serenity and well-being, after all. But if you take it a step further and sit back to inspect your chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon properly, you may discover that the health-giving potential of alcohol can go beyond the psychological.

Healthy-eating guru Professor Tim Spector believes that beverages such as wine can be packed full of ‘magic properties’ that could protect you from major illnesses. However, this great news comes with one slight condition – to avail yourself of the medical benefits of wine, it’s first essential to be savvy when it comes to store-bought varieties.

View attachment 21526

According to Professor Tim Spector, an expert in healthy eating, beverages like wine may contain a variety of "magic properties" that have the potential to protect against major illnesses. Photo by Timur Saglambilek.

Not all wines are created equal. Some bottles of wine, Prof Spector warns, can be as sugary as a can of soft drink. Others may contain allergens, and many have little to no chemical ingredients that are known to help fight disease and aid mental health.

Because of this, it’s important to understand just what’s in the glass you’re drinking. ‘Drink wine for pleasure, but at the back of your mind, think, 'Could I be trying different bottles or varieties that might be healthier for me?'’ the professor suggested.

As luck would have it, we have a better idea of which ‘healthy’ wines to choose courtesy of some scientific investigation.

Cool reds with the magic touch​

As you may already know, red wines tend to have higher levels of resveratrol than whites. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that can help to protect our blood vessels from damage, as well as prevent clots and reduce LDL (aka ‘bad’ cholesterol).

Interestingly, the riper the grapes, the higher the concentration of resveratrol tends to be. That’s why, for example, pinot noir usually has the most resveratrol out of all reds.

Potential belly benefits​

It’s not just heart health that red wine can potentially benefit. Prof Spector has collaborated with several studies, one of which examined the red wine consumption of over 900 female twins. The results showed that those who consumed the beverage had an increased bacterial diversity in their guts – a sign of good digestive health.

This indicates that alcohol when paired with the right gut microorganisms, can boost your overall immunity and potentially ward off diseases. ‘Despite the alcohol feeding your gut microbes, further down the chain, they pay you back by helping your immune system, heart, and metabolism in general,’ the professor advised.

His advice? Try as many different types of wine as possible so that you can reap the benefits of varying wine microbiome levels.

The impact of sugar and sulphite content in wine on health​

Now that we've touched on the benefits of certain types of wine, it's important also to consider the potential health impacts of sugar and sulphite content in our cherished beverages.

Sugars can sneakily creep into our daily consumption in ways that go unnoticed, and unfortunately, wine can be a significant culprit. As mentioned earlier, sugar levels can differ significantly between bottles, but there's a reason for that: the amount depends on how much sugar is left over after the grapes' fermentation process.

Generally, sweeter wines like dessert wines and certain bubbly varieties may contain higher sugar levels, which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to weight gain and other associated health risks. However, by opting for drier red wines, you can still keep your waistline in check without sacrificing those beneficial properties.

On the other hand, sulphites in wine have sparked conversations and concerns over their potential health effects. Ssulphites, or sulphur dioxide, are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

Key Takeaways

• A perfectly timed glass of wine may have 'magic properties' that help protect the body from severe illness, according to Professor Tim Spector.
• The prime 'magic' ingredient in wine is resveratrol, found in higher doses in red wine, and it may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
• Professor Spector believes that wine boosts health by increasing healthy levels of micro-organisms in our digestive systems, particularly in red wine drinkers.
• A healthy dose of red wine for men is one or two small glasses per day and one glass per day for women. It is also recommended to drink wine earlier in the evening to avoid disturbing sleep quality.

In conclusion, wine offers some surprising and delightful health benefits as long as we make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. So whether you fancy yourself an aficionado or simply want to explore the vast and vibrant varieties out there, always remember – it's not just about drinking wine, it's about drinking the right wine. Cheers to that!

Members, we would like to hear your thoughts on the story. Do you personally believe that wine has health benefits? While we’re at it, what’s your favourite tipple? Share your recommendations, especially if they’re good value.

Love my wine, reds in the winter and whites in the summer and of course in all my gravies.

 

[Luckyus]

We here at Seniors Discount Club certainly enjoy the occasional glass of something special. A perfectly-timed tipple can evoke a feeling of serenity and well-being, after all. But if you take it a step further and sit back to inspect your chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon properly, you may discover that the health-giving potential of alcohol can go beyond the psychological.

Healthy-eating guru Professor Tim Spector believes that beverages such as wine can be packed full of ‘magic properties’ that could protect you from major illnesses. However, this great news comes with one slight condition – to avail yourself of the medical benefits of wine, it’s first essential to be savvy when it comes to store-bought varieties.

View attachment 21526

According to Professor Tim Spector, an expert in healthy eating, beverages like wine may contain a variety of "magic properties" that have the potential to protect against major illnesses. Photo by Timur Saglambilek.

Not all wines are created equal. Some bottles of wine, Prof Spector warns, can be as sugary as a can of soft drink. Others may contain allergens, and many have little to no chemical ingredients that are known to help fight disease and aid mental health.

Because of this, it’s important to understand just what’s in the glass you’re drinking. ‘Drink wine for pleasure, but at the back of your mind, think, 'Could I be trying different bottles or varieties that might be healthier for me?'’ the professor suggested.

As luck would have it, we have a better idea of which ‘healthy’ wines to choose courtesy of some scientific investigation.

Cool reds with the magic touch​

As you may already know, red wines tend to have higher levels of resveratrol than whites. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that can help to protect our blood vessels from damage, as well as prevent clots and reduce LDL (aka ‘bad’ cholesterol).

Interestingly, the riper the grapes, the higher the concentration of resveratrol tends to be. That’s why, for example, pinot noir usually has the most resveratrol out of all reds.

Potential belly benefits​

It’s not just heart health that red wine can potentially benefit. Prof Spector has collaborated with several studies, one of which examined the red wine consumption of over 900 female twins. The results showed that those who consumed the beverage had an increased bacterial diversity in their guts – a sign of good digestive health.

This indicates that alcohol when paired with the right gut microorganisms, can boost your overall immunity and potentially ward off diseases. ‘Despite the alcohol feeding your gut microbes, further down the chain, they pay you back by helping your immune system, heart, and metabolism in general,’ the professor advised.

His advice? Try as many different types of wine as possible so that you can reap the benefits of varying wine microbiome levels.

The impact of sugar and sulphite content in wine on health​

Now that we've touched on the benefits of certain types of wine, it's important also to consider the potential health impacts of sugar and sulphite content in our cherished beverages.

Sugars can sneakily creep into our daily consumption in ways that go unnoticed, and unfortunately, wine can be a significant culprit. As mentioned earlier, sugar levels can differ significantly between bottles, but there's a reason for that: the amount depends on how much sugar is left over after the grapes' fermentation process.

Generally, sweeter wines like dessert wines and certain bubbly varieties may contain higher sugar levels, which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to weight gain and other associated health risks. However, by opting for drier red wines, you can still keep your waistline in check without sacrificing those beneficial properties.

On the other hand, sulphites in wine have sparked conversations and concerns over their potential health effects. Ssulphites, or sulphur dioxide, are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

Key Takeaways

• A perfectly timed glass of wine may have 'magic properties' that help protect the body from severe illness, according to Professor Tim Spector.
• The prime 'magic' ingredient in wine is resveratrol, found in higher doses in red wine, and it may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
• Professor Spector believes that wine boosts health by increasing healthy levels of micro-organisms in our digestive systems, particularly in red wine drinkers.
• A healthy dose of red wine for men is one or two small glasses per day and one glass per day for women. It is also recommended to drink wine earlier in the evening to avoid disturbing sleep quality.

In conclusion, wine offers some surprising and delightful health benefits as long as we make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. So whether you fancy yourself an aficionado or simply want to explore the vast and vibrant varieties out there, always remember – it's not just about drinking wine, it's about drinking the right wine. Cheers to that!

Members, we would like to hear your thoughts on the story. Do you personally believe that wine has health benefits? While we’re at it, what’s your favourite tipple? Share your recommendations, especially if they’re good value.

A couple of carafes of Algerian Red.

 

[margie*62]

We here at Seniors Discount Club certainly enjoy the occasional glass of something special. A perfectly-timed tipple can evoke a feeling of serenity and well-being, after all. But if you take it a step further and sit back to inspect your chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon properly, you may discover that the health-giving potential of alcohol can go beyond the psychological.

Healthy-eating guru Professor Tim Spector believes that beverages such as wine can be packed full of ‘magic properties’ that could protect you from major illnesses. However, this great news comes with one slight condition – to avail yourself of the medical benefits of wine, it’s first essential to be savvy when it comes to store-bought varieties.

View attachment 21526

According to Professor Tim Spector, an expert in healthy eating, beverages like wine may contain a variety of "magic properties" that have the potential to protect against major illnesses. Photo by Timur Saglambilek.

Not all wines are created equal. Some bottles of wine, Prof Spector warns, can be as sugary as a can of soft drink. Others may contain allergens, and many have little to no chemical ingredients that are known to help fight disease and aid mental health.

Because of this, it’s important to understand just what’s in the glass you’re drinking. ‘Drink wine for pleasure, but at the back of your mind, think, 'Could I be trying different bottles or varieties that might be healthier for me?'’ the professor suggested.

As luck would have it, we have a better idea of which ‘healthy’ wines to choose courtesy of some scientific investigation.

Cool reds with the magic touch​

As you may already know, red wines tend to have higher levels of resveratrol than whites. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that can help to protect our blood vessels from damage, as well as prevent clots and reduce LDL (aka ‘bad’ cholesterol).

Interestingly, the riper the grapes, the higher the concentration of resveratrol tends to be. That’s why, for example, pinot noir usually has the most resveratrol out of all reds.

Potential belly benefits​

It’s not just heart health that red wine can potentially benefit. Prof Spector has collaborated with several studies, one of which examined the red wine consumption of over 900 female twins. The results showed that those who consumed the beverage had an increased bacterial diversity in their guts – a sign of good digestive health.

This indicates that alcohol when paired with the right gut microorganisms, can boost your overall immunity and potentially ward off diseases. ‘Despite the alcohol feeding your gut microbes, further down the chain, they pay you back by helping your immune system, heart, and metabolism in general,’ the professor advised.

His advice? Try as many different types of wine as possible so that you can reap the benefits of varying wine microbiome levels.

The impact of sugar and sulphite content in wine on health​

Now that we've touched on the benefits of certain types of wine, it's important also to consider the potential health impacts of sugar and sulphite content in our cherished beverages.

Sugars can sneakily creep into our daily consumption in ways that go unnoticed, and unfortunately, wine can be a significant culprit. As mentioned earlier, sugar levels can differ significantly between bottles, but there's a reason for that: the amount depends on how much sugar is left over after the grapes' fermentation process.

Generally, sweeter wines like dessert wines and certain bubbly varieties may contain higher sugar levels, which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to weight gain and other associated health risks. However, by opting for drier red wines, you can still keep your waistline in check without sacrificing those beneficial properties.

On the other hand, sulphites in wine have sparked conversations and concerns over their potential health effects. Ssulphites, or sulphur dioxide, are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

Key Takeaways

• A perfectly timed glass of wine may have 'magic properties' that help protect the body from severe illness, according to Professor Tim Spector.
• The prime 'magic' ingredient in wine is resveratrol, found in higher doses in red wine, and it may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
• Professor Spector believes that wine boosts health by increasing healthy levels of micro-organisms in our digestive systems, particularly in red wine drinkers.
• A healthy dose of red wine for men is one or two small glasses per day and one glass per day for women. It is also recommended to drink wine earlier in the evening to avoid disturbing sleep quality.

In conclusion, wine offers some surprising and delightful health benefits as long as we make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. So whether you fancy yourself an aficionado or simply want to explore the vast and vibrant varieties out there, always remember – it's not just about drinking wine, it's about drinking the right wine. Cheers to that!

Members, we would like to hear your thoughts on the story. Do you personally believe that wine has health benefits? While we’re at it, what’s your favourite tipple? Share your recommendations, especially if they’re good value.

We here at Seniors Discount Club certainly enjoy the occasional glass of something special. A perfectly-timed tipple can evoke a feeling of serenity and well-being, after all. But if you take it a step further and sit back to inspect your chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon properly, you may discover that the health-giving potential of alcohol can go beyond the psychological.

Healthy-eating guru Professor Tim Spector believes that beverages such as wine can be packed full of ‘magic properties’ that could protect you from major illnesses. However, this great news comes with one slight condition – to avail yourself of the medical benefits of wine, it’s first essential to be savvy when it comes to store-bought varieties.

View attachment 21526

According to Professor Tim Spector, an expert in healthy eating, beverages like wine may contain a variety of "magic properties" that have the potential to protect against major illnesses. Photo by Timur Saglambilek.

Not all wines are created equal. Some bottles of wine, Prof Spector warns, can be as sugary as a can of soft drink. Others may contain allergens, and many have little to no chemical ingredients that are known to help fight disease and aid mental health.

Because of this, it’s important to understand just what’s in the glass you’re drinking. ‘Drink wine for pleasure, but at the back of your mind, think, 'Could I be trying different bottles or varieties that might be healthier for me?'’ the professor suggested.

As luck would have it, we have a better idea of which ‘healthy’ wines to choose courtesy of some scientific investigation.

Cool reds with the magic touch​

As you may already know, red wines tend to have higher levels of resveratrol than whites. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that can help to protect our blood vessels from damage, as well as prevent clots and reduce LDL (aka ‘bad’ cholesterol).

Interestingly, the riper the grapes, the higher the concentration of resveratrol tends to be. That’s why, for example, pinot noir usually has the most resveratrol out of all reds.

Potential belly benefits​

It’s not just heart health that red wine can potentially benefit. Prof Spector has collaborated with several studies, one of which examined the red wine consumption of over 900 female twins. The results showed that those who consumed the beverage had an increased bacterial diversity in their guts – a sign of good digestive health.

This indicates that alcohol when paired with the right gut microorganisms, can boost your overall immunity and potentially ward off diseases. ‘Despite the alcohol feeding your gut microbes, further down the chain, they pay you back by helping your immune system, heart, and metabolism in general,’ the professor advised.

His advice? Try as many different types of wine as possible so that you can reap the benefits of varying wine microbiome levels.

The impact of sugar and sulphite content in wine on health​

Now that we've touched on the benefits of certain types of wine, it's important also to consider the potential health impacts of sugar and sulphite content in our cherished beverages.

Sugars can sneakily creep into our daily consumption in ways that go unnoticed, and unfortunately, wine can be a significant culprit. As mentioned earlier, sugar levels can differ significantly between bottles, but there's a reason for that: the amount depends on how much sugar is left over after the grapes' fermentation process.

Generally, sweeter wines like dessert wines and certain bubbly varieties may contain higher sugar levels, which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to weight gain and other associated health risks. However, by opting for drier red wines, you can still keep your waistline in check without sacrificing those beneficial properties.

On the other hand, sulphites in wine have sparked conversations and concerns over their potential health effects. Ssulphites, or sulphur dioxide, are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

Key Takeaways

• A perfectly timed glass of wine may have 'magic properties' that help protect the body from severe illness, according to Professor Tim Spector.
• The prime 'magic' ingredient in wine is resveratrol, found in higher doses in red wine, and it may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
• Professor Spector believes that wine boosts health by increasing healthy levels of micro-organisms in our digestive systems, particularly in red wine drinkers.
• A healthy dose of red wine for men is one or two small glasses per day and one glass per day for women. It is also recommended to drink wine earlier in the evening to avoid disturbing sleep quality.

In conclusion, wine offers some surprising and delightful health benefits as long as we make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. So whether you fancy yourself an aficionado or simply want to explore the vast and vibrant varieties out there, always remember – it's not just about drinking wine, it's about drinking the right wine. Cheers to that!

Members, we would like to hear your thoughts on the story. Do you personally believe that wine has health benefits? While we’re at it, what’s your favourite tipple? Share your recommendations, especially if they’re good value.

I was quite a regular drinker of say a bottle per night, which I know is not good! Recently I had a lightbulb moment … why not give low to no alcohol wine a go. The benefits were instant - lost weight, - felt better the next day, - and it does taste nice ( I would recommend Paradox Zero!). Main thing is the less sugar content which I was drawn to.

 

[Jest]

We here at Seniors Discount Club certainly enjoy the occasional glass of something special. A perfectly-timed tipple can evoke a feeling of serenity and well-being, after all. But if you take it a step further and sit back to inspect your chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon properly, you may discover that the health-giving potential of alcohol can go beyond the psychological.

Healthy-eating guru Professor Tim Spector believes that beverages such as wine can be packed full of ‘magic properties’ that could protect you from major illnesses. However, this great news comes with one slight condition – to avail yourself of the medical benefits of wine, it’s first essential to be savvy when it comes to store-bought varieties.

View attachment 21526

According to Professor Tim Spector, an expert in healthy eating, beverages like wine may contain a variety of "magic properties" that have the potential to protect against major illnesses. Photo by Timur Saglambilek.

Not all wines are created equal. Some bottles of wine, Prof Spector warns, can be as sugary as a can of soft drink. Others may contain allergens, and many have little to no chemical ingredients that are known to help fight disease and aid mental health.

Because of this, it’s important to understand just what’s in the glass you’re drinking. ‘Drink wine for pleasure, but at the back of your mind, think, 'Could I be trying different bottles or varieties that might be healthier for me?'’ the professor suggested.

As luck would have it, we have a better idea of which ‘healthy’ wines to choose courtesy of some scientific investigation.

Cool reds with the magic touch​

As you may already know, red wines tend to have higher levels of resveratrol than whites. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that can help to protect our blood vessels from damage, as well as prevent clots and reduce LDL (aka ‘bad’ cholesterol).

Interestingly, the riper the grapes, the higher the concentration of resveratrol tends to be. That’s why, for example, pinot noir usually has the most resveratrol out of all reds.

Potential belly benefits​

It’s not just heart health that red wine can potentially benefit. Prof Spector has collaborated with several studies, one of which examined the red wine consumption of over 900 female twins. The results showed that those who consumed the beverage had an increased bacterial diversity in their guts – a sign of good digestive health.

This indicates that alcohol when paired with the right gut microorganisms, can boost your overall immunity and potentially ward off diseases. ‘Despite the alcohol feeding your gut microbes, further down the chain, they pay you back by helping your immune system, heart, and metabolism in general,’ the professor advised.

His advice? Try as many different types of wine as possible so that you can reap the benefits of varying wine microbiome levels.

The impact of sugar and sulphite content in wine on health​

Now that we've touched on the benefits of certain types of wine, it's important also to consider the potential health impacts of sugar and sulphite content in our cherished beverages.

Sugars can sneakily creep into our daily consumption in ways that go unnoticed, and unfortunately, wine can be a significant culprit. As mentioned earlier, sugar levels can differ significantly between bottles, but there's a reason for that: the amount depends on how much sugar is left over after the grapes' fermentation process.

Generally, sweeter wines like dessert wines and certain bubbly varieties may contain higher sugar levels, which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to weight gain and other associated health risks. However, by opting for drier red wines, you can still keep your waistline in check without sacrificing those beneficial properties.

On the other hand, sulphites in wine have sparked conversations and concerns over their potential health effects. Ssulphites, or sulphur dioxide, are commonly used in winemaking as a preservative and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

Key Takeaways

• A perfectly timed glass of wine may have 'magic properties' that help protect the body from severe illness, according to Professor Tim Spector.
• The prime 'magic' ingredient in wine is resveratrol, found in higher doses in red wine, and it may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots.
• Professor Spector believes that wine boosts health by increasing healthy levels of micro-organisms in our digestive systems, particularly in red wine drinkers.
• A healthy dose of red wine for men is one or two small glasses per day and one glass per day for women. It is also recommended to drink wine earlier in the evening to avoid disturbing sleep quality.

In conclusion, wine offers some surprising and delightful health benefits as long as we make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. So whether you fancy yourself an aficionado or simply want to explore the vast and vibrant varieties out there, always remember – it's not just about drinking wine, it's about drinking the right wine. Cheers to that!

Members, we would like to hear your thoughts on the story. Do you personally believe that wine has health benefits? While we’re at it, what’s your favourite tipple? Share your recommendations, especially if they’re good value.

i am ready to believe that red wine (merlot), dark chocolate and of course cheese and more cheese are good for one. that one being ME.

 

[Bruce9996]

Quote....Interestingly, the riper the grapes, the higher the concentration of resveratrol tends to be. That’s why, for example, pinot noir usually has the most resveratrol out of all reds.

An Ozzie shiraz is generally way riper than a pinot.