Red wine has garnered the reputation of being an elixir of life, and deservedly so. Studies have proven that red wine can help prevent heart disease and stroke, reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and increasing satiety (the feeling of fullness after eating). However, some myths about red wine have emerged as well, which can deter many people from this healthier choice of beverage. To help you make the right choices, here are 10 fun facts about red wine you should stop believing.
Fun Fact 1: Red Wine Will Help You Live Longer
Though it may be tempting to believe that drinking red wine will help you live longer, the science doesn’t quite back up this claim. In fact, moderate alcohol consumption of any kind has been linked with a slightly increased risk of premature death.
Fun Fact 2: Is a Glass of Red Wine Good for You?
Though red wine does contain antioxidants that can help prevent heart disease, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. Drinking too much red wine can actually have the opposite effect and increase your risk for heart disease. So, is a glass of red wine good for you? While a glass of red wine may be good for you, don’t go overboard.
Fun Fact 3: Drinking Red Wine Before Bed Will Lower Your Risk of Cancer
You may have heard that red wine is good for your heart, and therefore can also help lower your risk of cancer. While it’s true that moderate alcohol consumption can have some health benefits, there is no evidence to support the claim that red wine specifically can help prevent cancer. In fact, the National Cancer Institute states that there is no convincing evidence that drinking red wine before bed prevents cancer.
Fun Fact 4: Do the Benefits of Red Wine Include Grape Juice?
Drinking grape juice has its benefits, but it doesn’t offer the same heart-healthy benefits as red wine. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, polyphenols found in red wine can help prevent heart disease by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. So, next time you’re reaching for a glass of grape juice, remember that the benefits of red wine might be a better choice for your heart.
Fun Fact 5: Red Wine Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Though there is some evidence that red wine may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, it is far from conclusive. The main compound in red wine thought to be responsible for this effect is resveratrol, which is also found in peanuts and blueberries. So, if you’re looking to up your intake of resveratrol, you might want to switch to a different snack.
Fun Fact 6: White Wine and Beer Are More Likely to Cause Cancer Than Red Wine
We’ve all heard that red wine is heart-healthy, but what about its effect on our risk for cancer? Turns out, there are a lot of myths floating around about red wine and cancer. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones. Alcohol consumption can increase a woman’s risk of hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Alcohol provides empty calories. Consuming extra calories can lead to gaining weight, which can increase a person’s cancer risk.
Fun Fact 7: Red Wine Grapes are Healthier Than Grapes Used in White Wines
Though red wine grapes do contain more polyphenols than grapes used in white wines, this doesn’t make it a healthy food. In fact, studies have shown that the health benefits of red wine are negated if you drink more than two glasses a day. So if you’re looking to improve your health, it’s best to stick to moderation.
Fun Fact 8: French Champagne Comes Only in Pink Bottles Because of the Way it’s Made
The color of the wine has nothing to do with how it’s made, and in fact, most French champagne is made with white grapes. The pink color comes from the addition of a small amount of red wine during production. However, this also means that any champagne produced in France or other countries must be labeled as blanc de blancs or blanc de noirs.
Fun Fact 9: Are Their Certain Food and Wine Pairings that are Better with Red Wine?
The reality is that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to food and wine pairings. It all comes down to personal preference. So, if you want to drink red wine with your seafood dinner, go for it! There are no wrong answers when it comes to enjoying your food and drink.
Fun Fact 10. If a Low-Carb Diet Calls for Drinking Red Wine, it Must Be Fine, Right?
Red wine is often touted as being healthy, but that doesn’t mean you should go overboard. Just because a low-carb diet allows for drinking red wine doesn’t mean that it’s good for you. In fact, too much red wine can actually be bad for your health.
