Here's to Your Health: Benefits of Preservative-Free Red Wine

When it comes to healthy living, it's hard to know what's gonna be good or better for you, despite the latest health and wellness trends. Most people know that red wine is the healthier alternative in comparison with white or sparkling wine and it's especially healthier than a high-calorie pint of beer. 

But not all red wines are created equal. Different cultivars of grapes contain different nutrients, and various winemakers prepare wines in diverse ways. Meaning, some wines will just have more sugars (among else unhealthy additives) than others. And this is where preservative-free wines make the whole difference.

It seems that some of us are still unfamiliar with the health benefits of preservative-free wine over conventional wine. But first things first...

How Are Preservative-Free Wines Made?

This type of wine lucks sulphates, a preservative commonly used in regular wine. SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide) HSO3 (bisulphite) and H2SO3 (sulphurous acid) are mutually named 'sulphites'. The maximum amount to sulphur that can be added to wine in Australia is 300 ml/l according to standards given by Wine Australia. 

Sulphur Dioxide is the main preservative which, if you check some of the wine bottles you have, will appear as 'preservative 220 added' or 'contains sulphates'. Surprisingly, it's the same chemical that is used for preserving dry fruits, such as apricots.

 
Now, it's important to understand that no wines are actually 'preservative-free' because sulphur dioxide is naturally produced by the yeast during the fermentation and some amount will always be released. When winemakers do label their wines as 'preservative-free' it more so means that they haven't physically added any preservatives into the wine. 

Hence, 'no preservative added' would be more correct. If a winemaker has put so much effort to make a preservative-free wine, then you should be able to find it mentioned on the front or back label.

However, red wines you commonly buy in supermarkets are most probably being made of grapes sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, which, along with sulphite preservatives can cause significant health issues.

Benefits of Preservative-Free Red Wine

Before you make a red wine without preservatives your choice, you should know whether it is beneficial and how it will affect your health. Scientists have been busy indeed in studying all types of wine and found those healthy reasons to make you choose preservative-free red wine instead:

Lowers the Risk of Cancer

According to a recent study, taking a glass of red wine without preservatives several times a week helps to cease potential cancer cells (at least in some cases). Although alcohol is known to damage the cells in the human body, studies have shown that resveratrol attacks and destroys damaged cells. The resveratrol in preservative free red wine rectifies the effect of alcohol and is capable of lowering the risk of cancer if consumed in moderation. 

Lowers the Cholesterol

The lower level of cholesterol reduces the chances of plaque forming in your arteries, which might lead to peripheral artery disease. Because of both resveratrol and procyanidin, preservative free red wines may decrease LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and boost the HDL cholesterol (the good one). 

Reduces Heart Disease

Preservative-free red wine also contains antioxidants known as polyphenols that are found to improve blood flow and minimize the risk of blood clots. This way it prevents life-threatening issues such as heart attacks and strokes. In fact, research suggests that consuming sulphate free red wine regularly might be just as effective as aspirin in this regard.

Improves Immune System

High in antioxidants, preservative-free wine might be quite handy in the fight against diseases. There is evidence that suggests that consuming red wine on regular basis reduces your chances of catching a cold by up to 40 per cent.

 

Improves Mental Activity

Resveratrol found in red wine has promising effects on cognitive well being. It improves mental ability
by minimizing the formation of the protein responsible for the plaque found in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. 

How Much Is Enough?

The amount of wine associated with good health is surprisingly small. According to the latest Australian guidelines, standard glass is defined as 100 ml of wine (which is probably lower than what you would expect), and the recommended dose is somewhere about two glasses per day. Be sure to pour yourself the right measure to gain the best health results.

At the end of the day, it's up to you to choose which wine will make you most happy. There is no huge need to drink preservative free wine only, however, above-discussed health benefits might be worth every wine lover consideration. Just keep it within the limits and enjoy that occasional pinot noir guilt-free. After all, it's good for you!