National Sangria Day

Now that we know what antioxidants are, what is the connection to sangria? Antioxidants can be found in food, especially in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based, whole foods. Several vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, are effective antioxidants. Wine is made from grapes, and grapes are rich in many antioxidants. These include resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins. These antioxidants, especially resveratrol and proanthocyanidins, are believed to be responsible for the health benefits of red wine. Sangria is a wine based drink, and is traditionally made with red wine. This type of wine in particular has been shown to provide numerous health benefits.

Proanthocyanidins may reduce oxidative damage in the body. They may also help prevent heart disease and cancer. Resveratrol is found in grape skin. It is produced in some plants, as a response to damage or injury. This antioxidant has been linked with many health benefits, including fighting inflammation and blood clotting, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Resveratrol can also make test animals live longer. The resveratrol in red wine comes from the skin of grapes used to make wine. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol. That is why red wine is considered healthier than white.

Red wine may help lower cholesterol. Drinking small amounts of red wine may reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to retain the “good” HDL cholesterol in the blood. Oxidative damage and the oxidation of the “bad” LDL cholesterol may also be reduced by up to 50%. Studies have also shown that the nutrients in red wine help improve blood circulation, reduce the formation of blood clots, and may improve the function of the layer of cells that line your blood vessels. All of these translate into powerful cardiovascular benefits – drink red wine for heart health!

Red wine may also promote gut health. Though often overlooked, a healthy gut is vital for overall health because it is where our immune system is. A 2018 study reports that polyphenols from red wine and grapes can improve the gut microbiota, contributing to a healthy gut. According to other research, red wine compounds may also act as prebiotics, which are compounds that boost healthy gut bacteria. In 2016, researchers suggested red wine could reduce the risk of heart disease through its effects on the gut microbiome.

Sangria can also be higher in antioxidants than regular wine. This is because the fruit that you add to sangria also has high levels of antioxidants. Fruit contains a great deal of antioxidants, especially berries! Add blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to your sangria for an extra dose of antioxidants and nutrients, and it enhances the flavor as well! Sangria is such a fun drink because it is so versatile and there are virtually endless combinations of flavors. A great way to celebrate National Sangria Day is to have a get together where everybody brings their own sangria! No two sangrias are the same, so there will be plenty of options to sample and explore new combinations and flavors. Private Home Health Care encourages you to have fun and celebration National Sangria Day!