Chemical composition of wine

The consumption of red wine has been supported by society for many years for its medicinal properties. The call “Let's live to 150,” and the claims that the chemicals inside it can help prevent cancer are no doubt very gratifying, especially to justify a glass of wine (or several), but are they true? Also, "tannins" are usually mentioned in wine circles when discussing the taste and quality of wine, but what are tannins, and what effect do they have on the quality of wine? Now we will try to clarify the situation a little.

Wine in general and grape wine in particular has an extremely complex chemical composition with more than 600 organic and inorganic substances.

On average, red wine contains 86% water, 12% ethyl alcohol and about 1% glycerin. Among organic acids, lactic, citric, malic, acetic and succinic acids predominate in wine ≈ 0.4%. Tannins and phenolic compounds account for only 0.1% - but these are the ones we will look at when considering the compounds that contribute to the color and taste of wine.

In wine, we are primarily interested in finding flavonoids - a class of phenolic compounds commonly found in various plants. What are phenolic compounds? Phenol, the simplest example of a phenolic compound. It consists of a hydroxyl group (an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom) bonded to a benzene ring, which contains six carbon atoms. Phenolic compounds in wine are somewhat more complex, but they all include several units of phenol in their structure.

There are four sub-classes of flavonoids found in wine:

• anthocyanins;
• catechins (or flavan-3-ols);
• flavonols;
• tannins.

Each of them, in turn, contributes in some way to taste or color. Due to the differences in the huge range of compounds contained in the wine, we have such a variety and uniqueness of wines.

Anthocyanins:

Anthocyanins are widespread in nature and are plant dyes that give foliage, flowers, fruits and berries a variety of shades from pink to black-purple.

When processing grapes, anthocyanins are extracted from the grape skins. The color of young red and rosé wines is mainly determined by the presence of anthocyanins and their derivatives. It should be noted that the color of anthocyanins is significantly influenced by the pH of the medium. Acids in wine lead to a red color, but in alkaline solutions, the same substances can give blue color, or even green and yellow at higher alkalinity.

In wines, anthocyanin molecules undergo a wide range of reactions to form larger “complexes” that not only contribute to the red color of the wine, but also make anthocyanins more resistant to oxidation. Upon polymerization, the color of the wine changes from ruby ​​red (young) to brown (old). It is due to the formation of complexes that the wine does not lose color during aging.

The aging of wines leads to a decrease in the content of anthocyanins, which is associated not only with polymerization, but also with the formation of insoluble brown precipitates. It is believed that the main reason for the precipitation of anthocyanins is their oxidation.

An important property of anthocyanins is their strong bactericidal effect. They inhibit the development of fungi and lactic acid bacteria. Unfortunately, old red wines, which are practically free of anthocyanins, lose their bactericidal properties.

Catechins:

Pure catechins have a bitter, slightly astringent taste, which acquires a pleasant astringency in oxidized and condensed catechins. They mainly come into wine from grape seeds, their concentration in red wine can reach 800 mg / l. Catechin and epicatechin are the main flavan-3-ols found in red wine. These compounds are also found in high concentrations in tea and dark chocolate. Their health benefits also come from their antioxidant activity.

Grape polyphenols play an important role in the formation of the most important properties of wine. Thus, wines made from grapes with a high content of catechins have an excessively tart, rough taste. With a lack of these compounds, the wine acquires a so-called "empty" taste. The taste properties of wine and its color are greatly influenced by the reactions of polymerization and oxidation of catechins, which occur most intensively during the maturation of wine. The oxidation products of catechins have a slightly astringent pleasant taste and a golden-brownish color of varying intensity, making it easy to distinguish aged wines from young ones.

Flavonols:

Flavonols are similar in structure to flavan-3-ols, with only a couple of minor differences. Significantly enough, flavonols do not contribute to the bitterness of wine like flavan-3-ols. Flavonols have antioxidant properties, but research shows that they are present in red wine at too low a concentration to be considered a good source of antioxidants, at least when compared to other natural sources such as yellow onions or tea. However, they help give color to red wine by forming complexes with the previously mentioned anthocyanins.

Tannins. Tannins:

The quality of red wines is highly dependent on the quality of the tannins. They are the soul of the wine. In grapes, tannins are found in the skins, seeds and combs. The tannins in the green particles of the stalks do not have such a sharpness, and the tannins in the seeds are the toughest and add unnecessary roughness to the wine. Therefore, winemakers try to concentrate on the extraction of noble tannins from the skin of the berries. These tannins make up 20 to 30% of all tannins available. Some tannins also come from the barrels in which the wine is aged.

Grape and wine tannins are condensed tannins produced by the polymerization of several flavan molecules.

Tannins give a specific taste to red wine, which distinguishes it from white. White wines, by the way, have much lower tannin levels than red wines, in part due to the fact that they ferment without skin and ridges. Tannins in white wines more often come from wood. This explains the shorter life span of white wines and the lack of astringent and astringent components in their taste. When we drink wine, the tannins interact with the proteins in our saliva to form a sediment that makes us feel dry. Changes in tannin concentration will also be reflected in the perceived dryness. Tannins also contribute to color by forming complexes with anthocyanins.

Tannins are a kind of "preservatives" of wine, only due to their presence and possible long aging of wines. Aged wines give a sense of fullness of taste, they completely lack the excessive astringency and roughness of the bite of young wines, which are overly saturated with tannins. Therefore, if the wine is consumed young, the contact of the wort with the pulp is limited.

The benefits of red wine:

Reports of the benefits of red wine began to surface more than two centuries ago. In the early 90s of the XX century, the "French paradox" was highlighted in the media, but studies of the effect on the body of resveratrol, one of the biologically active components of red wine, were not widespread until the discovery in 1997 of the ability of resveratrol to prevent the development of cancer ... This fact has greatly increased the interest of scientists in the study of this antioxidant.

It has long been noticed by physicians that the death rate from heart disease in France is lower than in any other developed country. French people eat four times more than Americans butter and three times more lard, adore fatty goose livers, smoke more, and their death rate from heart disease is two and a half times less! This phenomenon was called the "French paradox". Diet studies have shown a relatively high consumption of fruits and vegetables by the French, which in themselves reduce the risk of heart disease, but the most important feature was the high level of wine consumption, with red wine.

Resveratrol - an antioxidant in red wine

Resveratrol as an antioxidant is 5 times stronger than beta-carotene, vitamin E - 50 times, vitamin C - 20 times

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red wines and several other plant and mushroom foods. It is the most powerful natural antioxidant, which exceeds beta-carotene by 5 times, vitamin E - 50 times, vitamin C - 20 times. Intensive studies were carried out, during which it was proved that this substance prolongs the life of the studied living creatures: yeast fungi, fruit flies, worms and fish. The maximum life span of fish has increased by 59%.

Resveratrol is produced in the skins of grape bunches in response to extreme conditions, such as low temperatures or powerful ultraviolet exposure, as well as to counteract various infections, including fungal infections. Thus, resveratrol, figuratively speaking, is a reliable guardian and protector of grapes. Regular consumption of whole red grapes (and red wine) that are high in resveratrol has long been noted to reverse many diseases.

Resveratrol, in studies in mice, helps prevent high blood pressure (hypertension) in mice, lowers blood sugar, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

It is worth noting, however, that the level of resveratrol present in red wine is insufficient for a noticeable therapeutic effect - at least it was not noticed during the nine-year study period.

In custody:

In the end, I would like to add that wine is still a drink that contains alcohol, and in order for it to provide health benefits, they do not need to be abused. Also, the wine should be chosen carefully, because the information described above is only valid for natural grape wine.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders, affecting about 5-10% of women of childbearing age. It is characterized by an increase in the level of male hormones and insulin in the body. Resveratrol, a natural ingredient and powerful antioxidant found in red wine, grapes, raspberries and peanuts, appears to help address this hormonal imbalance, the researchers believe.

PCOS is known to disrupt ovarian function. The main signs of this disorder are irregular periods, excess of androgens (male sex hormones) in the body, and polycystic ovary disease.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but the syndrome has been linked to abnormal hormone levels, including elevated insulin levels. Increased levels of male hormones can contribute to infertility, weight gain, acne, and excess body hair growth.

The study involved 30 women with polycystic ovary syndrome, who were divided into two groups: one received 1500 mg of resveratrol daily, and the other received a placebo. At the start of the study and after three months of supplementation, the women had a blood sample taken to measure testosterone and other androgen levels. Also at the beginning and at the end of the study, the participants were subjected to a glucose tolerance test.

It turned out that the group taking resveratrol had a 23.1% decrease in testosterone levels. But in the group that was given a placebo, on the contrary, the level of this hormone increased by 2.9%, writes Medical News Today.

In addition, the group receiving resveratrol supplements had a 22.2% decrease in the levels of another male hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, while in the second group, its content in the body increased by 10.5%.

The researchers also found that resveratrol not only reduced androgen levels, but also positively influenced the risk factor for diabetes. For example, in women in the group taking resveratrol, fasting insulin levels decreased by 31.8% during the three-month experiment. They also have increased insulin sensitivity.

"The results suggest that resveratrol may improve the body's ability to use insulin and potentially reduce the risk of diabetes. Resveratrol supplementation appears to help reduce the likelihood of metabolic problems that are common in women with PCOS," says study lead author Anthony J. Duleba (Antoni J. Duleba) from the University of California at San Diego.

Other studies support resveratrol's potential for beneficial effects on health. So, earlier scientists found out that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory properties, capable, as shown by experiments on rodents,. It is also believed to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Did you know that red wine is healthy for health? It is one of the most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world. It is part of the cultural heritage of many countries and is considered an important source of nutrients for human health.

Wine abuse can harm your health, but 1-2 glasses of red wine a day are good for you... Red wine is a source of important antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial both physically and emotionally.

The main active ingredient in red wine is resveratrol. It protects your body cells from the negative effects of free radicals. As you know, the latter accelerate the aging process.

There are many reasons to drink red wine is healthy in small quantities. In our article today, we will share 8 reasons to include this drink in your diet.

Why is red wine useful?

1. Protects the brain

Due to its high content of antioxidants, which include resveratrol, red wine is able to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Wine's antioxidants help regenerate brain tissue and regulate blood circulation. As a result, the brain receives more oxygen.

• One glass of red wine a day can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other diseases of the nervous system.

2. Prevents depression

People who are going through a difficult life period and depression are better able to cope with the trials that have fallen to their lot by regularly drinking non-alcoholic a large number of red wine.

This healthy drink stimulates the production of neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin. The latter are well known as.

• Drinking 3-4 glasses of red wine a week will be enough to improve your mood.

3. Promotes oral health

Overuse of red wine can harm your tooth enamel, but a small amount is beneficial to oral health.

It protects teeth and gums from infections. The antimicrobial components of wine prevent the growth of certain types of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gingivitis.

• For this purpose, it is recommended to drink 2-3 glasses of red wine per week. Do not forget to keep it in your mouth longer.

4. Red wine is good for the respiratory system

The main antioxidant in red wine, resveratrol, creates a protective barrier against infections in the respiratory tract.

Thus, the risk of irritation of the respiratory tract and the development of diseases caused by toxins and disease-causing external agents is reduced.

It should be noted anti-inflammatory and cleansing effect of the antioxidants contained in wine. Thanks to them, the airways remain clean, excessive sputum formation and associated congestion are excluded.

• A small glass of red wine a day boosts your immune system, reducing the chance of getting the flu and colds.

5. Takes care of heart health

It can hardly be argued that abuse alcoholic beverages negatively affects the health of the cardiovascular system. On the other hand, a small amount of red wine is beneficial.

• In order for the wine to benefit the heart and blood vessels, women are advised to drink a glass of red wine daily. As for men, they can afford up to 2 glasses of this drink.

6. Fights urinary tract infections

Red wine is your faithful ally in the fight against.

Due to its diuretic properties, this drink stimulates the elimination of fluid from the body. Together with it, bacteria that multiply in the urinary tract are also excreted.

On the other hand, the astringent properties of red wine are beneficial for the bladder. Thanks to them, the risk of inflammation of this organ is reduced due to the influence of irritating substances and toxins.

• It is recommended to take a glass of red wine every day if symptoms of urinary tract infections appear.

7. Fills with energy

Red wine can help relieve morning fatigue. The nutrients it contains are able to fill the body with energy, increasing physical and mental activity.

Red wine has a beneficial effect on blood circulation. At the same time, the supply of oxygen to all cells of the body is improved, and fatigue disappears.

• Drink a glass of red wine as soon as you feel weak or tired.

8. Protects against premature aging

To stop the aging process in the body, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle. As for red wine, regular consumption of this drink can support the body in the fight against premature aging.

Resveratrol protects cells from the degenerative processes caused by exposure to toxins.

• To protect against premature aging, it is recommended that you drink at least 4 glasses of red wine a week.

Red wine is good for your health. The most important thing is to drink it in small amounts and from time to time. Only then will the nutrients contained in the wine benefit the body.

Grape wines are traditional holiday drinks. However, the competent use of grape wine has a positive effect on human health. Ancient healers were convinced of this, and the same fact is confirmed by modern medical research. The main thing in wine treatment is to know when to stop.

The most useful, experts consider red dry wine consumed with meals. Ancient physicians, in particular Hippocrates, used wine as an antiseptic, diuretic, sedative, and as a solvent for medicines.

Why is grape wine useful?

Red grape wine has valuable properties, thereby helping to maintain human health. It contains essential amino acids and compounds necessary for metabolism, as well as antioxidants that contribute to the development, growth and protection of cells. The composition of red wine contains magnesium - it helps in the work of the heart; a large amount of iron, chromium, which is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids in the body; zinc, which is responsible for the balance of acidic tissues; rubidium, which removes radioactive elements from the body.

A glass of red wine contains:

• 0.11 g protein
• 0 g fat
• 127.7 g water
• 15.9 g of alcohol,
• 0.3 g of fructose, which is only found in sweet wines.

It also includes macronutrients:

• 190 mg potassium
• 6 mg sodium
• 12 mg calcium
• 18 mg magnesium.

Trace elements:

• iron in the amount of 0.69 mg,
• 0.3 mcg selenium
• 0.017 mg copper
• 0.21 mg zinc.

What are the beneficial properties of wine? Wine has its own beneficial properties due to the content of biologically active elements - flavonoids, quercetin and reservatol, polyphenols and tannin. Polyphenols, in addition to preventing destructive processes in the human body, also help to remove free radicals from cells, while rejuvenating all organs and tissues in the body.

Medicinal properties of wine

1. Red wine is used for medicinal purposes, as it supports cardiac activity, helps to dilate blood vessels, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood. With continued use, red wine almost completely flushes out the blood vessels.

2. Wine with a high content of tannins helps with indigestion, causes the elimination of toxins from the body.

3. Red table wine (up to 2 glasses a day) is recommended for anemia.

5. Mulled wine - hot red wine with sugar, can be used to treat influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

6. Weakened patients are given 3-4 tablespoons of wine a day to restore vitality.

7. Red wine, 100 - 250 ml per day, serves to increase tone and immunity, and also promotes hematopoiesis.

8. Drinking red wine increases appetite, normalizes metabolism, secretes gastric juice and maintains normal stomach acidity.

9. If you drink wine within normal limits, the secretion of endocrine glands increases, sleep improves, aging of cells slows down, the development of oncological diseases is prevented, the development of caries slows down, and the deposition of tartar is prevented. In addition, wine is a wonderful remedy for stress and depression.

10. Recently Canadian scientists have discovered another health benefit of red wine - it prevents gum disease due to its high content of polyphenols.

Drink wine, but know when to stop!

Of course, it is important to observe the measure in the use of wine:

• two to three glasses a day for men;
• no more than one and a half glasses for women.

Heart people are allowed no more than one glass of red wine during dinner and only with the permission of a specialist doctor. Here, too much wine will be much more dangerous than shortage - if there is an overabundance, wine can seriously harm.

Which wine is really healthy?

You need to know that only absolutely natural wines have medicinal properties. In wine surrogates with artificial colors and flavors healing properties are absent.

Red wines made on the basis of ripe grapes with a thick skin are distinguished by special healing properties. These are French wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, as well as Chilean wines.

Wine etiquette is a complex science. This requires not only knowledge, experience, but also a delicate taste. But the one who has comprehended it will turn even an ordinary family dinner into an exquisite celebration.

Of course, you don't have to strictly follow the advice. But if you set out to slay your gourmet guests on the spot, then it's better to stick to tradition. They developed for a reason: properly served wines whet the appetite, help to better reveal the taste. meat dishes, set off the sophistication of sweets. When buying, the main thing is to study the label, and when serving, observe the order and take into account the compatibility of drinks with prepared dishes.

You need to be able not only to choose a drink, but also to present it. The splendor of color, subtle notes of aroma and taste of wine will emphasize a beautiful glass.

You can buy wine glasses made of porcelain or metal, but crystal leaves far behind all other materials. Even an ordinary lunch or dinner with loved ones, they will add a note of real solemnity.

The more expensive the wine and the more delicate its taste, the thinner the glass walls should be. Red wines can be served warm, so wide, low-stemmed crystal glasses that you can hold in your hand are suitable. For white wine, the stem should be high, and the glass itself should be medium in length. Then the drink stays cool longer. Champagne, on the other hand, "prefers" long, elongated shapes.

Types of wine

• Table wine is consumed during a daily meal. The label must indicate: manufacturer, grape variety. Table wines are often young, not pretentious to storage conditions.
• Local wine includes semi-dry and dry wines. More often their name comes from the grape varieties - "Muscat", "Cabernet Sauvignon". The harvest year and place of origin must be indicated on the label.
• Vintage wine is the highest category of wines that are made from the best varieties grapes. Before bottling, they are aged in cellars for 1.5 to 3 years. The name is often given by the locality or castle where the grapes are grown, which should also appear on the label.

What wine is served with what dish?

• Red is offered with dark meat: beef, lamb, pork, as well as goose and duck. Serving temperature should be 16-18 '.
• Pink is served with desserts: cakes, sweets, fruits. Serving temperature to the table is 8-12 ′.
• White is often served with fish, as well as light boiled meat - veal, chicken or turkey. Serving temperature to the table is 8-12 ′.

In what glasses is wine served

In a semicircle near the plate or from right to left in a straight line. Glasses are arranged in the order of serving drinks: they start with large ones, gradually move on to small ones.

It is known: the stronger the drink, the smaller the capacity - glasses and glasses. For wine, a tulip glass with a high stem is ideal - its shape is slightly narrowed towards the top, allowing you to concentrate the aroma of the drink. Therefore, the glass is filled up to half or 2 cm from the edge.

It is customary to use glasses for red wines slightly larger in volume than for white ones. Champagne and other sparkling wines are poured into tall and narrow glasses to slow the exhalation of the aroma and maintain a high head.

The glass should only be half filled with wine. Expensive, elite wines are poured only by one third. Only under this condition it will be possible to rotate the wine in the glass, saturating it with air, helping to reveal the peculiarities of taste. When the sides of the glass are slightly tapered at the top, the aroma of the wine will be more concentrated. The wine is drunk slowly. Suitable for wine made from white grape varieties fish dishes, red wine is combined with meat. Dry champagne is universal in this regard. Fruits, snacks, sweets (except chocolate) are served with dessert varieties.

How to store

If the wine is stored incorrectly, then all the exquisite shades may not be brought to the feast. It is better to keep the wine in a cool place and always in a horizontal position. It is stored “lying down”, because the cork in a standing bottle dries out quickly, which is why air starts to leak, and then the wine becomes tasteless and can acquire an unpleasant odor. The ideal temperature is, of course, maintained in the wine cabinet.

Grape wine in cosmetology

The rejuvenating and tonic effect of red wine was still used by the ancient Romans, taking baths from it and rubbing it into the skin. The French believe that grape wine prolongs life, and in Bordeaux there are wine therapy centers where treatments can be combined with wine tasting. Why is grape wine so useful? Does it really prolong beauty and youth?

Grapes contain a complex of vitamins - A, C, B6, minerals - calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, as well as flavonoids - antioxidants that help prolong youth. Grape seeds are also useful: they contain polyphenols that cleanse blood vessels.

Wine made from grape berries is equally healthy: it also contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Our ancestors, of course, hardly knew about the beneficial properties of wine, since no one conducted research on the composition of grapes and wine. However, the following should be borne in mind: using it in much larger quantities than we did, our ancestors looked younger and healthier than us.

A mysterious aroma of beauty always hovers around the wine, and it is not surprising: those who often drink good wine can boast not only good health, but also healthy beauty. And that's why.

From grapes (when it comes to grape wine), polyphenol is obtained - a substance that fights 10,000 times better against the harmful effects of the environment than the same famous vitamin E, which was recognized as an expert in this field. Polyphenol was recently discovered in 1994.

Under the influence of a negative environment, aggressive oxygen compounds are formed in the human body - free radicals that provoke oxidation, decay and similar destructive processes in our body. And polyphenol contains a component that fights free radicals. In fact, the fight against oxidants is a fight against time, aging.

Wine can be consumed orally, but not more than 1 glass per day. And also use it as a topical anti-aging agent.

Wine hair mask

Required products:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of cream
• 1 tablespoon red wine

Mix all ingredients, beat with a fork and apply to hair before washing. Put on a plastic cap and hold the mask for 30 minutes. Then wash your hair with shampoo.

Wine face mask

This mask can be used to obtain smooth skin with an even complexion.

Required products:

• 1 tablespoon cream
• 4 tablespoons of red wine
• 1 teaspoon of oatmeal.

Mix all products and apply on face and neck for 15 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.

Wine bath for nails

A wine bath is suitable to prevent peeling nails and to strengthen them.

Required products:

• 100 ml of dry white wine,
• 5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil.

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and soak your fingertips in this liquid for 20 minutes.

Wine bath for feet

Required products:

• 1 glass of white wine
• 1 tablespoon linden flowers.

Pour wine into a saucepan or saucepan, put on fire and bring to a boil. Add lime blossom, reduce heat, cover mixture and let simmer for 5-7 minutes. Then turn off the heat and cool the mixture.

Pour the mixture into the foot bath, lower the feet for 10 minutes. Then treat the feet with a pumice stone and put them back into the wine bath. Finally, apply a nourishing cream to the feet and put on cotton socks.

Currently, there are entire SPA centers located in the vineyards themselves that use cosmetics based on polyphenols. In addition to fighting free radicals, polyphenol also improves blood microcirculation in skin cells, supports their metabolism and fills them with energy.

Of course, our ancestors, who consumed much more wine than we did, hardly knew what polyphenol was, but they were also not familiar with the negative environmental factors that we encounter on a daily basis. And, accordingly, our great-grandmothers looked younger than their years.

This article will focus on about the healing properties of red wine, the healing effect of which is known to many. Suffice it to recall that most of the tinctures of certain medicinal herbs include wine. However, do not think that red wine as a healing remedy has only now been discovered.

Wine has always been and is an integral part of culture and life. But not everyone knows the extraordinary properties of wine, varietal characteristics and the place of each type of wine among the variety of drinks and dishes. The juxtaposition of grape wine with other alcoholic beverages as a drink that displaces toxic products from the human body definitely indicates its positive role.

Wine, unlike many other spirits, is not a distillation product. True connoisseurs of wine believe that real wine lives, like a real living organism, with its own life. Fermentation, a process triggered by yeast that breaks down sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, releasing heat, contributes to the birth of wine. It is alcoholic fermentation that is the basis for making wine, in particular red wine, and contains a number of biologically active substances necessary for the human body. In this sense, red grape wine has no analogues in its properties.

Louis Pasteur once noted that “ wine can rightfully be considered the healthiest hygienic drink».

One of the most important properties of red wine, which few people know about, is that it is a carrier of potential energy, which is almost entirely used by the body. So, a liter of dry red wine contains about 600-700 calories, which give the body the necessary boost of energy, thanks to which you immediately feel a surge of vigor and mood.

Therefore, if possible, at breakfast every day, drink some good red wine, the use of which will give you a boost of vigor for the whole day. But remember that sweet dessert wines with a high sugar content are considered to be more nutritious.

Wine possesses many valuable properties due to its composition. So, wine components composed of the main organogens - hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen - are nutritious, as they take part in plastic processes and metabolism. Although the content of nitrogenous substances in wine is small, amino acids are very valuable, up to 19 of which have been found in red wine.

The amino acids contained in this amazing product are important regulators and catalysts of the body's metabolism. Several essential amino acids found in red wine serve as the multidimensional building blocks of all proteins. The order of inclusion of amino acids in them is determined genetic code... Some are part of enzymes and hormones (iodine in thyroxin). Most microorganisms and plants synthesize amino acids necessary for their vital activity, the body of animals and humans is not able to form the so-called essential amino acids obtained from food. Therefore, the use of red wine, which contains 19 out of 20 amino acids necessary for the normal functioning of the body, is extremely beneficial.

Together with red wine the most important elements for it enter the body - potassium and phosphorus. Phosphorus is partly found in organic form. The insignificant content of chlorine and chlorides makes the wine useful in hypochlorite mode. In modern conditions, it is of great importance that when wine is consumed, free cholesterol does not accumulate, the accumulation of which in the body leads to the development of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis- a disease that occurs mainly in the elderly. It's chronic cardiovascular disease, which is characterized by a deterioration in the blood supply to all organs. Heredity, excessive consumption of animal fat, physical inactivity, psycho-emotional stress, smoking are of some importance. With atherosclerosis of the venous arteries of the heart, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cardiosclerosis are possible; with atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels, stroke and even mental disorders are possible. To prevent all this from happening, you need to use a proven and, importantly, enjoyable method - drinking a small amount of red wine with your daily food.

An excessively high level of cholesterol in the blood leads to an increase in its viscosity, in connection with which the rate of blood flow through small vessels decreases. This in turn causes insufficient blood supply to the inner ear. Some scientists are of the opinion that this fact may be the cause of hearing loss in humans. To prevent a sharp decrease in hearing, it is possible, and even in some cases necessary, to use red wine.

As already mentioned, in addition to natural fruit sugar, which is an optimal energy supplier, red wine contains minerals and vitamins, which are so necessary for the body. For each person, it is necessary to know the brief characteristics of some of the main substances contained in grapes, and therefore in wine. This is necessary in order to appreciate the beneficial healing properties of red wine and use it in certain cases.

So, the calcium contained in red wine is considered a good building material for bone tissue, it is recommended to use it in sufficient quantities for muscle cramps and cramps; zinc and vitamin C increase immunity; magnesium and vitamin B soothe the nervous system, improve metabolism, are recommended for disorders of the cardiovascular system, in the absence of appetite; vitamin A is essential for the health of the skin, eyes, mucous membranes.

In addition, the high potassium content improves kidney function. At the same time, table salt, uric acid and other residual metabolic products are flushed out of the body. Red wine is an excellent, in some cases irreplaceable means for removing excess fluid and toxic substances from the body, therefore, in many famous resorts in the world, every autumn - after harvesting - grapes are treated.

Red wine can also be attributed to the category of foods that promote weight loss. Our good advice to you: do like the French and allow yourself a glass of red wine for dinner. This delays the flow of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, the digestion of proteins in the stomach slows down, and the appetite decreases. These are the conclusions reached by American scientists. As a result of their research, they sought to find out why the French, despite their love of delicious, plentiful food, are generally slimmer than the Americans. And the reason for the slimness, as it turned out, is a glass of wine, drunk most often before dinner.

In addition to the above properties, grape red wine has a bactericidal effect and has a detrimental effect on Vibrio cholerae, typhoid sticks, Ebert's bacilli, related to them.

In pure table red wine, bacteria are killed in 20-30 minutes. In wine diluted with water, the period of death of harmful organisms is somewhat lengthened.

By killing or weakening intestinal bacteria, red wine at the same time helps the speedy healing of scratches on the mucous membranes (due to the presence of tannins in it), thereby being the best prophylactic against purulent infections.

Naturally, wine itself does not disinfect the intestines, which have an alkaline environment, but only products that enter the body, in particular water, which often does not meet hygienic requirements and standards.

Therefore, drinking red wine instead of drinking water, the quality of which does not quite meet sanitary standards, will be very beneficial. We advise you to use red wine in any environment where the rules of cleanliness and hygiene raise some doubts.

Medical scientists have been researching for a long time properties of wine in laboratory conditions and scientifically substantiate its effect on the body. In the scientific literature, cases and experiments have been described that testify to the anti-toxic properties of red wine. So, according to Professor Krosh, in 1861, an Indian, bitten by one of the most poisonous snakes, was saved with wine with a strength of 14-16% in the amount of 3 bottles.

Experiments with animals are very indicative for demonstrating the antitoxic properties of wine. Mice were known to be injected with lethal doses of cobra venom and hemorrhagic viper venom, followed by red wine. The experimental animals not only lived longer than the control animals who did not receive wine, but they also survived in this way.

Red wine has the most beneficial effect on the nervous system. Professor of physiology of the Yerevan Zootechnical Veterinary Institute S. A. Shcherbakov conducted his research in this area. The results obtained during the work turned out to be quite interesting and exceeded even the most daring expectations. It turns out that wine stimulates the activity of both the salivary and gastric glands, promotes the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and the amylolytic function of saliva.

Wine acts as a sympathetic-tonic agent on the autonomic nervous system.

Conducting experiments with grape wine, Professor Shcherbakov concluded that in the process of excitation of the cerebral cortex, general arousal increases, which affects the increased function of the kidneys. Especially in this sense, red grape wine shows its positive qualities.

In moderate doses, red grape wine has a positive effect on the entire body. The abuse of other alcoholic beverages and even beer has more serious consequences compared to the effect of red wine, which is consumed in excess.

It should be remembered that fruit and berry wines, such as currant or rosehip, are richer in vitamins than grape wine. They contain especially a lot of vitamin C, which, as mentioned above, helps to increase immunity and strengthens the body. Vitamin C is especially useful for those people whose body is exposed to the harmful effects of the environment. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant, it promotes the formation of new collagen fibers and prevents the occurrence of various inflammations (the formation of new collagen fibers is of great importance, since these are fibers of the extracellular substance of the connective tissue of animals and humans; these are strong and low elastic fibers that perform a very important mechanical function) ...

The use and consumption of red wine as a good healing agent has been known for a very long time. Knowing and learning medicinal properties this drink, you can even stop using some chemicals. But wine has a positive effect and has a beneficial effect on the entire body, if we take into account the correct norms of its use (mostly red wine is consumed warm or even hot). For each person, the required amount of this drink is individual, but in general, the daily rate should not exceed 25-50 ml.

From the point of view of prevention, it is especially important to prevent gastrointestinal infections with red wine. Due to its bactericidal and antitoxic properties, which were mentioned above, as well as its effect on malaria plasmodia, red wine is considered a unique remedy. According to the 95-year-old veteran - paramedic L.I.Kristsyak, who lived for 15 years in one area in Armenia, where malaria raged for many years, he was never susceptible to this serious disease due to the fact that he replaced ordinary drinking water for his own use with red wine.

Even a disease as common as an exacerbation of appendicitis can be prevented by incorporating red wine into your daily diet. Among other things, the scientific literature contains statistics on lower deaths from tuberculosis in wine-growing areas and on outbreaks of tuberculosis with reduced wine production.

If a person suddenly develops signs of an adynamic state, accompanied by impaired coordination and movement, numbness of body parts, red wine will help improve his condition.

The benefits of red wine with influenza-bronchial and pulmonary diseases it is very difficult to overestimate. If you breathe over red hot wine for 5-7 minutes, the characteristic unpleasant signs of such diseases (runny nose, cough) can disappear without a trace. A good remedy for the treatment of colds, especially bronchitis and flu, is a kind of cocktail made from red wine and mustard. And the use of fruit and berry or grape wine with a meal contributes to the death of pathogenic bacteria, after which conventional medicines can cope with any disease.

If you add black pepper to red wine, you get a great medicinal drink that can put someone with a cold on their feet. Such a drink is especially effective in the treatment of angina. For this natural medicine to work faster, it is necessary to wrap up the patient immediately after taking it (along with then all the ailment will come out). Do not be afraid of the unpleasant sensations that you will feel in your throat. However, the next morning you will wake up healthy and strong, and you will remember the sore throat and fever as a nightmare.

A therapeutic cocktail using dry red wine has a very beneficial effect on the body's resistance to pathogens of various diseases. Dry red wine, mixed with aloe juice and honey, protects against colds, increases the body's resistance to infectious diseases. The sap is squeezed from the lower leaves of the plant, which are cut, washed with cold water, cut into pieces and squeezed through cheesecloth. Then honey and wine are added. This mixture must be infused for 5-6 days. Take the resulting product before meals 1 teaspoon.

Drinking red wine in small quantities also helps with dullness of attention or partial loss of memory, calms the nerves.

Wine is also recommended for tuberculosis patients. In this case, wine is more effective than alcohol, due to the content of many useful components, such as tannins, mineral salts, iron (which is useful for anemia, weakening of the body, improves blood composition, metabolism), manganese, potassium (improves the composition of bone tissue ), calcium, phosphorus and trace elements, glycerin and other biologically active substances.

In the homeland of many elite red wines, in Burgundy, they say that "old man's milk is wine." This expression did not arise by chance. Red wine is especially effective remedy for convalescents who have undergone serious operations, especially for the elderly. Wine is recommended in an amount of at least 30 ml per day for anemia, diabetes, scrofula, malaria, overwork, dyspepsia (indigestion, manifested by heartburn, heaviness in the stomach, bloating, cramping pains; observed with gastrointestinal and other diseases, improper feeding child, and so on), cachexia (general depletion of the body with tumors, lesions of the pituitary gland (pituitary cachexia), etc.) and other diseases.

In everyday life, we often encounter such minor troubles as cuts. For cuts, it is also very helpful to use red wine to treat the wounds. As you know, it contains substances that prevent the penetration of infection into the human body, and if this does happen, help to neutralize them. As a preventive procedure, it is recommended to apply a cotton pad soaked in wine to the place where irritation has occurred or a slight itching has appeared.

Especially effective red wine for surgical shock, fainting, asphyxiation... It is an invaluable aid in anesthesia, often replacing strong medication.

Everyone knows that wine warms in the truest sense of the word. We recommend making your own red wine drink - mulled wine, one sip of which perfectly warms and is an excellent remedy against gastrointestinal diseases. The recipe for its preparation, as you know, was discovered in Burgundy.

It is not difficult to prepare this drink "in Burgundy".

One bottle of water is taken for two bottles of red wine. In any case, the water must be filtered. In warm water for a short period, insist (to avoid bitterness) 30 g of coarsely chopped cinnamon (in a bag of rare tissue). If the wine is not sweet, but dry or semi-dry, about 40 pieces of refined sugar are added to it. The mixture of wine and water is brought to a boil, then a little clove, cinnamon, cardamom and lemon slices without skin are added. You can add a tablespoon of cognac.

You should not boil mulled wine for a long time, you just need to keep it hot. This home-made drink is generally best consumed immediately after you have prepared it, since in this case it is better preserved. taste qualities and, most importantly, beneficial properties.

Naturally, wine is not recommended for everyone without exception: it is contraindicated in some diseases. Often, in order to use red wine for medicinal purposes, a doctor's appointment is necessary (but this is only if you decide to organize a serious course of treatment, the basis of which will be red wine).

If you consume red wine in small quantities, it will only be beneficial. Moreover, without expecting it, you can feel a surge of vivacity and an improvement in physical condition in general.

As incredible as it sounds, red wine has saved lives many times, not just improved health. There are many such facts in history.

Probably the most striking confirmation of our words will be the story of physicists Marie and Pierre Curie, who made the amazing discovery of the radioactive element polonium and radium in 1898, investigated piezoelectricity and radioactive radiation, which is very dangerous to health. It is clear that under other circumstances, a portion of radiation that has become an integral part of their scientific work, could be fatal for their lives. And the circumstances were that these scientists were French and their daily habits saved their lives.

The French are partial to red wine, and the Curies have had a glass of wine for breakfast over the years. It turns out that red wine, in addition to all its inherent useful properties, many of which were already known at that time, has a unique ability to prevent the accumulation of radioactivity in the body.

This historical fact once again proves that red wine is a unique means of fighting external unfavorable environmental conditions, allows the body to mobilize all protective properties and, to some extent, prevents the occurrence of various diseases.

But not all wine can be beneficial. Beneficial features red wine is determined by its own composition. The peculiarities of this amazing drink are that it requires exceptional care in storage, how to use it, and, most importantly, in its creation. All this requires a special mood, because the process of making good wine is real creativity, in which you need to put a piece of your soul. And only truly high quality wine can benefit your health.

Throughout life wine requires careful maintenance... In order for it to retain its healing properties, it is recommended to store it in accordance with special rules. Thus, the angle of inclination of a bottle of red wine from a horizontal surface should not exceed 13 5o 0. And in the Caucasus they say that when serving red wine, you cannot even wash the dust from the dishes in which this amazing drink was stored.

Proper storage of red wine has allowed people for many centuries not only to enjoy its taste and aroma, but also to derive undoubted benefits from its use. In the past few decades, scientists have tackled this issue separately. The study of the influence of wine on individual systems of the human body has led to the following conclusions.

Wine activates the vagosympathetic system and enhances the secretion of the endocrine glands; enhances salivation and secretion of ptyalin (salivary amylase); promotes better separation of gastric juice and protein digestion; favors the secretion of bile in the liver; has a diuretic effect on the kidneys (that is, the use of red wine contributes to increased kidney function and the elimination of excess water and sodium chloride from the body); promotes ventilation of the lungs, affecting the cardiovascular system, dilates blood vessels; reveals alkalizing properties in the blood, acting against acidosis (acidosis is a shift in the acid-base balance in the body towards a relative increase in the amount of anions).

Thus, moderation and timeliness of drinking red wine not only will allow you to enjoy its unsurpassed taste, but also help in the treatment of many ailments. Moreover, this drink is very different from conventional antibiotics that poison the human body. In contrast to their not always positive effect, red wine can bring real benefits to your body.