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Questions about wine
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The choice is clear and given.
We choose red wine due to its much higher content in antioxidants and, more specifically, in phenolic compounds.
It has also been scientifically proven that these ingredients play a very important role in the good health of our heart and blood vessels.
Why is it considered a medicine for the heart?
Moderate consumption of red wine offers beneficial results, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. This is due to its 2 main components, namely alcohol and its various antioxidants, such as tyrosol, resveratrol and other phenolic compounds.
Its protective action is realized through various mechanisms, such as the increase of “good” cholesterol (hdl), the reduction of blood clot creation, the reduction of blood coagulation, the improvement of blood vessel function and the protection of the cells from the damage caused by oxidative stress (mainly due to its powerful antioxidants).
These antioxidants are found in higher concentration in red wines that have been fermented
in oak barrels, while they increase during storage in such barrels over time.
What are its main nutritional components?
The main ingredients in wine are alcohol, which ranges between 10-12%, and carbohydrates, which can reach 2.6%, while simple sugars are at 0.6%. Moreover, as it was already mentioned, it contains a significant amount of antioxidants, mainly phenolic compounds.
What kind of wine should I pair with my food?
White wine goes well with eggs, fish and white meats, while red wine goes well with red meat and game. Sweet wines are usually well paired with desserts.
Up to how many glasses can I drink per day?
All the beneficial properties of red wine are the result of daily consumption, not just occasional consumption. It has been found that a person who consumes 2 glasses of wine per day has all the aforementioned effects in their body, while a person who does not drink any wine for the whole week and consumes all of it during the 2 days of the weekend does not present any of the wine’s benefits in their body.
Finally, in addition to daily consumption, it should be fully understood that red wine is beneficial only in small quantities
(maximum 2 glasses per day for men and one for women).
On the contrary, with higher consumption we see an increase in blood pressure and triglycerides,
resulting in increased cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the above recommendations are differentiated in the event of a health issue, in which case it is necessary to limit alcohol consumption. People with health problems should consult their doctor.
What are the secrets of proper serving?
• Wine is served in stem glasses in which the upper part of the glass has a smaller diameter,
as this helps to preserve its aromas longer.
• Never fill the wine glass all the way.
• Fill the glass slightly over halfway (cover 3/4 of the glass).
• Hold the glass of wine by the stem, so that you can also enjoy its aroma
and so as not to transmit your hand’s temperature, thus heating it.
How many calories are contained in a glass of wine?
The calories contained in a glass of wine always depend on the degree of alcoholic strength and its sweetness (i.e. its time of aging). In average,
a stem glass of wine can contain 100 to 120 calories.
Its color does not affect its calorie content, although slightly sweeter wines can have 10-20 calories more.
What kind of wine should I use for cooking?
For cooking, it is best to use the same wine as the one you plan
to serve with the meal. However, if you want to preserve a food’s light color
(e.g. mushrooms), use white wine. For marinades, it is preferable to use red wine.
