The Health Benefits of Wine, starting a New Year

The Health benefits of Wine and Beer

New Years is a time for new beginnings and resolutions. Often times one of these resolutions is to lose weight and to lessen or quit alcohol consumption. But before you decide to take wine or beer out of your regime;  here are a few interesting facts.

Wine is good for you in moderation. Red wine in particular due to the amount of antioxidants like resveratrol which are extracted during the maceration process during fermentation. Resveratrol is a phenolic compound that is derived from the skins of the grapes. It has been attributed to reduce cholesterol levels, liver lipids, and act as a cancer chemopreventative agent.

In fact Pinot Noir happens to have the highest level of resveratrol and Cabernet Sauvignon amongst the lowest. Cooler climate regions like Burgundy and Canada tend to have higher levels of this compound whereas warmer climate regions like Australia and California tend to have lower amounts.

The average beer also contains antioxidants and in some cases has vitamin like B6 as well. Beers that are brewed traditionally and by using the bottle refermentation process like Unibroue beers, have a higher level of B vitamins and micronutrients.

 

So in the wise words of Plato "He was a wise man who invented beer", do not forget the brews and of course, Pliny the Elder, "In Vino Veritas"

Firefly Fine Wines and Ales recommends BC Pinot Noir and Quebec craft beers such as Unibroue and Les Trois Mousquetaires