Calories in Red Wine
Calories in Red Wine
The number of calories in red wine and its potential health benefits is of interest to anyone who enjoys red wine but is interested in weight management and good nutrition. While red wine has received a lot of good press in recent years and is believed by many to be part of a healthy diet, it should be enjoyed in moderation and its impact on calorie intake should be considered by those looking to maintain or lose weight.
The Health Benefits of Red Wine
Because red wine is made from grapes, which are rich in antioxidants, red wine is believed to offer a number of significant health benefits, including:
Decreased risk of heart disease- Some studies have associated red wine consumption with the prevention of blood vessel clotting and the formation of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
May help to prevent cancer- Compounds found in red wine called catechins and resveratrol are believed to have anti-cancer properties.
May protect against damage from strokes- Some research has shown that red wine consumption may protect the brain against the damage caused by a stroke.
Can assist in digestion- According to at least one study, red wine can help the stomach eliminate some of the potentially harmful materials contained in red meats which are released as part of the digestion process.
Calorie Count in Red Wine
The number of calories in red wine will vary depending on the type, but a general rule-of-thumb is to call it about 100 calories in a serving (about four ounces). It is worth noting that red wines containing more alcohol also provide more calories.
Caution for Dieters Regarding Red Wine Consumption
Those looking to lose weight should consider that alcohol consumption can increase triglycerides (which play an important role in metabolism) and result in weight gain. Of course anyone who consumes alcohol should practice moderation.
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