Red Wine Good for… Really?

Who knew that red wine was good for your stomach? Definitely not me. When it comes to the health promoting effects of red wine, its potential to protect against heart disease tends to get all the attention. But there are some who see it as a sort of probiotic delivery system, capable of benefiting the stomach as well. Supplements and foods with probiotics live micro-organisms that support digestive health and that has thus made them popular. While probiotics are increasingly added to a variety of foods, some contain them naturally, especially fermented products like yogurt and wine. Most doctors, of course, would never recommend drinking solely to aid digestive health. But researchers have wondered whether a boost in healthy bacteria may be a secondary benefit of red wine.

Based on studies on animals, scientists have found that components of red wine seem to improve intestinal health, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Research on human subjects is limited. But one recent study that examined the claim was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers found that both types of red wine produced improvements in the bacterial composition of the gut, lowered blood pressure and reduced levels of a protein associated with inflammation. Slight improvements in gut flora were seen among gin drinkers, but the effects in the wine drinkers were much more pronounced.

The bottom line to this is that red wine can help digestive health. Although it is beneficial to our health, we should not use it as an excuse to drink wine excessively. We learn to use natural things in our world in order to save the planet. If drinking wine will save our lives and animal lives, then we have got to test it and proceed from there.