Wine has a rich and fascinating history. Ancient civilizations have recognized its medicinal properties for thousands of years!
The modern scientific study of the health benefits of wine began in the 20th century, with the first studies appearing in medical literature in the 1930s. In the past few decades, researchers have examined the relationship between wine and health, and the results have shown that moderate wine consumption has many benefits, including improved gut health.
Let’s explore some ways wine can benefit gut health, but first, let’s talk about moderation.
It's important to note that the benefits of wine are only present with moderate consumption. This is defined as 1-2 glasses per day for women and 1-3 glasses per day for men. Excessive alcohol consumption has adverse effects on overall health. With gut health, overdoing wine or any alcohol impairs your gut bacteria's function and increases inflammation.
Inflammation is a disaster zone for our gut! Inflammation is often at the center of many tummy troubles, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and leaky gut syndrome. Reducing inflammation helps improve gut health and helps prevent the development of gut-related disorders.
So can wine really be good for our gut health? Yes, it can be!
Wine, especially red wine, can benefit gut health because of compounds like resveratrol and polyphenols, which are known to promote healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation.
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Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in the skin of grapes and is produced by the plant as a response to stress. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular benefits.
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Polyphenols are a group of compounds found in plants that have potent antioxidant properties. They play an important role in protecting cells from damage by free radicals and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
- Polyphenols, in particular, positively impact gut health because they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reduce gut inflammation.
Moderate wine consumption also increases the abundance and diversity of beneficial gut bacteria, like bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
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Bifidobacteria are a type of bacteria commonly found in the gut and help to promote digestive health by producing lactic acid, which helps keep the gut pH low and prevent harmful bacteria from growing.
- Lactobacilli are bacteria that ferment lactose, the sugar found in milk, and produce lactic acid. This lactic acid helps to improve gut health by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
When you add just better.® prebiotic fiber to your glass of wine, you’re promoting the growth of good-for-you bacteria and providing them with food (fiber) to thrive!! Woohoo, a gut-happy celebration!
Here are a few more health benefits of wine (in moderation, of course!):
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Heart Health: Helps to lower rates of heart disease.
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Better cognitive function and a reduced risk of dementia.
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Moderate wine consumption has been linked to a longer lifespan.
- Wine, particularly red wine, has been linked to better bone health and a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Now that you know some of the health benefits of wine, let’s make a gut-healthy refreshing wine spritzer to serve at your next gathering!
just better.® Prebiotic Fruit-Infused Merlot Spritzer:
Ingredients:
1 Bottle of Merlot wine
1 Cup of sparkling water
1 Cup of Organic 100% Cranberry Juice
⅛ Cup of Organic 100% Pomegranate Juice
4 Tablespoons of just better.® prebiotic fiber powder
½ Cup Fresh or Frozen Mixed Berries (Raspberry, Blackberries, Blueberries)
½ Cup Fresh pomegranate seeds
Ice
Instructions:
Combine the Merlot wine, sparkling water, and just better.® prebiotic fiber in a large pitcher. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Pulse the Organic 100% Cranberry & Pomegranate juices with mixed berries in a small blender until blended but not completely smooth.
Pour the juice and berry mixture into the fiber-infused wine and sparkling water. Stir well.
Fill four glasses with ice and pour the Merlot spritzer mixture over the ice.
Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.
The just better.® Prebiotic Fruit-Infused Merlot Spritzer is perfect for enjoying wine's health benefits while supporting gut health. Cheers!
Live… just better.®!