I know many ladies out there are going to love this one! Read carefully, though, so you can ensure you are getting the benefits of drinking red wine without many of the drawbacks. To that end, let’s get started on the latest installment of the 9-post series based on my recent read: Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.
Blue Zones Secret #4: Drink Red Wine (in moderation)
If you’ve just come across this, you can start at the beginning with Secret #1 by clicking here.
If you know me, you may find it rather amusing that I would write an article about red wine – I never drink it.
That’s because I live it the U.S. where there are an average of 70 additives in a bottle of wine – chemicals designed to enhance flavor, color, mouthfeel, etc. of the wine. And it’s those chemicals that do a number on me.
The last bottle of red wine I was able to sample (without experiencing negative consequences) was from our French foreign exchange students’ family vineyard. Her parents gifted us a white, a rosé, and a red to thank us for taking care of young Juliette during her year in the States.
I told M. Dessevre about my wine issues (migraines) and asked about their process. I live in California and there is a LOT of wine grown out here – acres upon acres upon acres! AND I happened to have worked in the ag industry here so I know a little something about what it takes to get a crop to market.
All Red Wines Aren’t Equal
Here’s the crazy thing, though: in France (as an overall generalization), the grapes aren’t irrigated and they aren’t treated with unnatural ingredients.
Wha?!!
I must admit, the irrigation thing REALLY threw me. This is the 21st century after all. They’re just waiting for rain to fall from the sky…??
“Yes” is the answer.
Oh, and they make the wine so that it tastes good – in the way they harvest, ferment, store and age it. That way, they don’t need to chemically enhance it.
To make a long story short: the wine from la famille Dessevre did not give me a migraine. Not even a headache!
In short: quality counts.
Why did I go through this whole preamble (we ARE talking about the Blue Zones Secret #4: Drink Red Wine, are we not)? I thought it was important to explain that not all red wine is created equal. Having said that, there are studies showing some health benefits to drinking red wine – consistently and in moderation.
Here are a few benefits of drinking red wine:
- A drink or two a day is associated with lower rates of heart disease
- Can reduce stress and the damaging effects of chronic inflammation
- Having a glass of red wine makes it more of an “event,” increasing the likelihood that we take our time and eat more slowly
- Contains artery-scrubbing polyphenols, which may help fight arteriosclerosis
PLEASE NOTE: having MORE than 1-2 glasses per day negates any health benefits, as overindulging can have toxic effects on the liver, brain, and other organs. (not to mention increase the likelihood of accidents).
ALSO NOTE: you can’t “save up” alcohol consumption for the weekend. Truly, it is best not to exceed 2 glasses in any given day. Now that we’ve gotten the caveats out of the way:
Here are the Blue Zone tips for incorporating Secret #4 into your life:
Buy High Quality Red Wine
As mentioned above, quality matters. I look for organic or “dry” wines but also ask a lot of questions to ensure I’m getting grapes – not chemicals. The Sardinians (one of the Blue Zones regions where people live the longest, healthiest lives) drink Cannonau but any good quality, dark red wine will do.
Treat Yourself to a “Happy Hour”
Enjoying a glass of wine with friends (even over Zoom), with nuts as appetizers (remember that tip in Secret #3?) is the trifecta: you’re getting social stimulation (coming in a future “secret”), as well as the benefits of wine and nuts. Boom – three secrets in one!
All in Moderation
The health benefits of drinking red wine are achieved in just a glass or two – and are negated by having more. So, savor one a night and see how you feel. Keeping it in moderation is key. And there you have it – Secret #4 for living a long, healthy life! Stay tuned for the next secret. Hope you enjoyed this installment 🙂