Youthful red wines may be better for you than older vintage red wines. New research reveals that 90% of several antioxidants in red wines are lost as wines age. We’ve raved about antioxidants in wine because of their potential health benefits. However, we may be drinking wines too old.
Several recent studies on anthocyanin (a polyphenol and antioxidant found in red wine, chocolate and tea) have offered some updates to the bioavailability of antioxidants in red wine.
Young red wines have more antioxidants than old red wines
A research group in China tested Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc and found that 90% of the anthocyanin content in red wine is lost after a few months of aging. There are several reasons why this happens, but it is mostly due to the fact that antioxidants are highly volatile.
High acid wines stabilize antioxidants longer
A group of scientists studying Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in Brazil noted that anthocyanins appeared to be the most stable at low pH levels (high acidity). The most stable wines were at or below 3.2 pH which, by the way, is pretty darn acidic for red wine. Despite this nifty discovery, it’s hard to know if drinking more acidic wines is actually good for you. Studies on antioxidant absorbance in humans have suggested that your body needs to be a little bit basic (aka alkaline or lower acid) in order to actually benefit from antioxidants like anthocyanins.
Condensed tannin is highest in young wines
Besides anthocyanin, another beneficial polyphenol found in red wine is called proanthocyanidin, or more commonly known as condensed tannin. Tannins in wine come from grape skins, grape seeds and even oak barrels. There are actually 2 kinds of tannin commonly found in wine and the bitter and astringent-tasting condensed tannins that are found mostly in grape seeds have incredible anti-inflammatory effects on the body. By the way, anti-inflammatory food is a keystone to a healthy diabetes diet. Condensed tannins are highest in full-bodied red wines.
Are The Health Benefits of Wine Negated By The Alcohol in Wine?
A recent study published by Circulation Research tested wine on a group of men who were at high risk for heart disease. Their health improved when they drank non-alcoholic red wine but not when they drank regular wine. Whoa, big deal! The men’s health appeared to stay the same when they drank alcoholic red wine… in case you were wondering.
Thus far, this was the only study we could find that really discusses the relationship between the bioavailability of antioxidants in red wine with the potential negative effect of alcohol. By the way, dealcholizing wines removes a number of the antioxidants in wine, including condensed tannin, so non-alcoholic wines aren’t necessarily the answer either. So, hopefully, now you’re just as confused as we are!
Conclusion: Drink Wine Because You Love It
We might kid ourselves into thinking that wine is a miracle drug but there are many nuanced factors that go into this equation. While there is ample information supporting wine in moderation, there is not really any conclusive evidence that we are absorbing any of the health benefits of wine. Thus, drink wine because you love it. Hopefully, that’s obvious.
If you’re seeking the amazing health benefits found in red wine grapes, you might just want to eat them straight off the vine (and be sure to chew on the seeds). By the way, American table grapes don’t have the same benefits as red wine grapes because, sadly, they were bred out long ago… save for maybe Scuppernongs.
By Madeline Puckette
I’m a certified wine geek with a passion for meeting people, travel, and delicious food. You often find me crawling around dank cellars or frolicking through vineyards. Find her at @WineFolly
**Grabbed from: http://winefolly.com/update/young-wines-better-than-old-wines/