What are the benefits of health drink?

Over the centuries, the wine It has been appreciated for its taste and cultural role in various societies, as well as its health benefits. Studies indicate that drink can contribute to cardiovascular health, improve lipid profile and even act as an antioxidant.

The secret would be in polyphenols, bioactive compounds present mainly in red wine, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help cell protection against oxidative stress.

Red wine has the largest amount of these compounds, and according to experts, would be ideal for consuming and absorbing benefits. While the red contains on average 1.8 g per liter of polyphenols, white wine contains from 0.2 to 0.3 g per liter.

However, despite possible advantages, wine consumption – like any alcohol – requires moderation. Alcohol can have negative effects on the body, and the frequency with which the drink is ingested can determine whether its impact will be positive or harmful.

The compounds of wine and its effects on the body

The nutritionist and doctor from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) Debora Strose Villaça points out that the polyphenols present in wine can contribute to metabolic and intestinal health.

Polyphenols are in red wine due to grape bark used in the development of the drink. These assets protect cells against oxidative stress, one of the factors that contribute to aging and cardiovascular disease.

One of the best known polyphenols in red wine is the resveratrolassociated with improved cardiovascular function and protective effects against cellular aging. According to the nutritionist, the amount of resveratrol in a glass of wine is around 1 to 2 milligrams.

It stresses that light and moderate consumption of red wine in healthy people has been associated with improved lipid profile and decreased oxidative stress. In addition, the drink can help in the balance of the intestinal microbiota.

“The presence of these bioactive compounds helps to balance the intestinal microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that favor better nutrient absorption,” he said.

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The vascular surgeon Ivan Casella, director of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery-São Paulo Regional (SBACV-SP), points out that red wine can also benefit cardiovascular health. According to him, these mechanisms help reduce risk factors for heart disease.

“Wine, like grape juice, has substances that inhibit bad cholesterol oxidation (LDL) and decrease platelet aggregation in the blood, contributing to improve vascular function,” he said.

However, he points out that excess alcohol can cause dehydration, which discreetly increases the risk of thrombosis, and causes damage to blood pressure values ​​and can cause dependence.

Still, not all can consume wine freely. Casella stresses that there are certain categories of patients, such as diabetics and liver disease patients, where alcohol consumption is very harmful, nullifying any benefits.

Is there a safe amount to get the benefits?

Even with the advantages, experts warn that intake should be controlled. “Although wine consumption has health benefits, alcohol consumption frequently is not recommended as it increases the risk of other diseases,” says Deborah.

Read more: How many times a week can wine have?

Casella stresses that moderation is essential to avoid damage. “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a moderate wine consumption is equivalent to a daily dose for women and two doses for men, which would be approximately 90 ml of red wine or 125 ml of white wine,” he explains.

However, he recalls that this limit does not apply to all individuals. “There is always the risk of the individual to be added and becoming a dependent on alcohol,” he warns.

Therefore, although wine can bring benefits to the body, its consumption should be balanced and preferably guided by a healthcare professional.