We have all heard that a glass of wine, included in the Mediterranean diet, can be healthy. The reason has its origin in a chemical component that is found naturally in wine.
The wine is produced from the fermentation of grapes, whose skin contains a component (phenol, to be exact) that is linked to cardioprotective, antidiabetic effects and even to skin protection and visual rejuvenation. This is Resveratrol, well known among winemakers and wine enthusiasts for this same reason.
Resveratron occurs naturally in several plants when they are under attack by pathogens, such as bacteria of fungi. In the skin of the grapes there is a high concentration. It attracted great attention in 1992, when its presence in wine was first suggested as an explanation of its cardioprotective effects. In order to transfer Resveratrol from grapes to wine, wine must remain as long as possible in contact with the skin during fermentation, so we will find much more in red wines than in white or rosé wines.
If we go technical, “studies suggest that Resveratrol in red wine can play an important role as a cardioprotective effect, as it seems to stimulate the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inhibition of platelet aggregation”. In addition, antidiabetic effects have also been demonstrated aswell as favorable clinical results in visual rejuvenation.
The research of greater scope deals with skin protection since Resveratrol reduces oxidative stress from UV radiation, which is one of the main causes of premature skin aging.
However, there is no need for such an exhaustive analysis to realise that a glass of wine with friends is one great reason to feel rejuvenated by a charming conversation, complicit smiles or these kind of pleasures to enjoy life.
