Do you regard red wine as a vice? Perhaps you are unsure, after all many diets and experts tell us that a glass of red has health benefits. Yet when talking about alcohol consumption as a whole, we are generally told that it's best to consume as little as possible. So, what are the health benefits of red wine and what are its negative effects? How about all that sugar, surely that can't be good for you?
We take a look at all these questions and examine how to reduce the negative effects of red wine whilst enjoying its benefits. If you haven't heard of Noughty dealcoholized rouge, you're in for a treat. With all the positive impact and flavour of a delicious red, Noughty rouge is low in sugar and alcohol-free. Now you really can enjoy a guilt-free glass of wine.
Health benefits of red wine
It has been proven that red wine has a high antioxidant content. Therefore, drinking it in moderation can reduce the risk of heart disease. Red wine helps to retain good HDL cholesterol in the blood too, but drinking it in excess can reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol.
Some studies have shown that the elderly may benefit more from moderate red wine consumption than the rest of the adult population. Drinking 1-3 glasses per day on 3-4 days of the week has also been shown to reduce the risk of stroke in middle-aged men.
According to the Daily Post, other health benefits linked to red wine consumption include:
- Reduced risk of contracting certain cancers including prostrate, ovary, basal cell and colon when red wine is consumed in moderation
- Reduction in risk of Alzheimers' disease and dementia from drinking 1-3 glasses per day
- Reduced depression risk in middle aged and elderly people who consume between 2 and 7 glasses of red wine each week
- Reduction in insulin resistance for people who drink two glasses per day of regular or dealcoholized red wine
- Moderate consumption has been linked with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes for women
According to a study in the Gastroenterology magazine, research has also shown that consuming red wine improves gut health. Even when consumed infrequently, the polyphenols in red wine can lead to an increase in good gut bacteria due to a reduction in oxidative stress.
Negative effects of red wine
You are probably aware that studies of the Mediterranean diet regard it as a healthy choice, particularly for fending off certain diseases such as heart disease. Red wine is seen as a key part of this diet. However, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) stresses that it is not an essential part of the Mediterranean diet and should be consumed in moderation. They go on to say that there IS evidence that moderate alcohol intake can lead to a small reduction in the risk of heart disease.
However, the study referred to by the BHF saw no decrease in risk of other conditions like vascular dementia or stroke. Alcohol consumption is also linked to certain cancers, so the BHF conclude that the risks of alcohol consumption outweigh its benefits.
Unsurprisingly, the NHS in the UK focuses on the negative impact of drinking alcohol to excess. These include both short and long-term effects, but in particular they stress how ongoing alcohol abuse can take its toll on the body.
How to reduce the negative effects of red wine
With so many benefits to drinking a moderate amount of red wine, wouldn't it be great if there was a way to enjoy it without risking the negative impact it can have? Actually, you're in luck! Did you notice that one of the studies mentioned above specified that the benefits applied equally to dealcoholized red wine? Many of our customers struggle to find the balance between a beneficial regular glass and finding themselves consuming too much. We have also had feedback that they've tried alcohol-free brands in the past and the flavour doesn't come close. Thankfully, that concern is a thing of the past.
You might be surprised to hear that we at VE Refinery shared the same concerns when looking for a dealcoholized red wine for our customers. After all, health benefits are well and good but that distinctive flavour is the real reason we enjoy a good quality glass of red. We went through several dealcoholized reds that were far too light, lacking depth and flavour. In removing the alcohol, that taste had also been taken out. Then, we found Noughty Dealcoholized Rouge.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Dealcoholized Rouge
Placed at the luxury end of the non-alcoholic drinks market, Thomson & Scott Noughty Rouge is in a quality category all of its own. Carefully dealcoholized at a low temperature to below 0.5% ABV, this fabulous non-alcoholic red wine retains the rich flavour you would expect from a good quality bottle. With just 2.5 grams of sugar per 100 ml, it is deep ruby red in colour with a flavour profile containing hints of ripe red fruit, crushed black pepper, dried rose petal, candied cherries and French oak tannins.
Noughty Rouge boasts a calorie content of just 14 per 100 ml and it contains no additional sugars, artificial flavours or aromas. Thomson & Scott is a certified B Corp because they are passionate about sustainability. Every step of the production and transportation process is as environmentally conscious as possible. Additionally, VE Refinery donates 2% of profits to Almighty Tree to reduce and compensate our CO2 emissions by planting trees in Switzerland.
Have you tried Noughty Rouge? Let us know what you thought of it!