Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest As people cope with the city lockdown, we turn our attention to what’s important — one’s health and wellbeing. Thus, many Filipinos are now learning how to cook not only to pass the time but also to enjoy a good dish. And there’s nothing quite more enjoyable than eating a delicious meal plus uncorking a bottle of wine to pair with your food. Wine not only helps enrich the eating experience, it also provides a number of health benefits that help aid digestion. Take for example a savory pan-fried filet of sea bass with a glass of unoaked Chardonnay. The freshness and liveliness of the Chardonnay’s high acidity make it ideal to inhibit the growth of any foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. In a study published in the United States in 2008, the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, help remove potentially harmful substances found in red meat, fried foods, and processed foods, which are released during digestion. That is why wine and food ideally go hand in hand as having a full stomach will help alleviate the stress put on the liver. Without food, the alcohol will merely pass through the stomach causing the liver to work overtime causing a delay in breaking down the other foods. This can lead to increased fat storage in the body. There’s also the “French paradox”, wherein a low rate of fatalities due to heart disease amongst the French people was indicated, particularly those residing in regions in the southwest, despite having a diet that is mostly composed of rich and fatty foods, such as foie gras, magret de canard, and an assortment of cheeses. And in the early 1990s, Serge Renaud, a scientist from the University of Bordeaux, claimed that the low death rate was due to the high consumption of red wine. This was further supported by studies that the Mediterranean diet — which has a high intake of omega-3 fats found in fish, antioxidant-rich food, and a moderate intake of red wine — can lead to both better cardiovascular health and decreased risk of cancer. Red wine naturally contains polyphenols that are micronutrients packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah, and Pinot Noir are known to have high levels of Polyphenols that counteract the negative effects of oxidation during the digestion process. It is also known that Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant is known to strengthen the outermost layer of the skin that keeps moisture and nutrients in while keeping bacteria and other irritants out. Drinking red wine significantly lowers the level of inflammation in the blood vessels, especially when one is fond of eating a fatty steak. These anti-inflammatory properties have been believed to also reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Most people have put their attention to red wine when it comes to health benefits, primarily due to its polyphenolic contents, however, these are not the only elements of wine that have benefits. Many people tend to end their day with a ritual nightcap, the adult version of a warm glass of milk before bed. It may seem to be a luxurious habit to have a glass of wine before bed but a study in 2006 published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture revealed that melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, was found in several wine grapes. Nebbiolo contained the most melatonin followed by grapes like Barbera and Cabernet Franc. It is best to consume wine three hours before going to bed but do note that studies have shown that high intake exceeding the levels of moderation causes the suppression of rapid eye movement sleep, thus alcohol is not recommended as a sleep aid. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, an average 150ml serving of dry table wine between 11%-14% alcohol by volume will contain about 120-130 calories. Wine, consumed in moderation, is known to have effects in helping weight maintenance. A daily diet that includes fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and olive oil, while staying from high-fat dairy and processed food has been linked to better heart health and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Dry reds, whites, and sparkling wines are great low carb options. When drinking wine, it is best to eat protein and vegetables as carbs are turned into fat, while alcohol slows down metabolism needed in breaking down carbs. The most practical advice for wine lovers out there is to find a balance between food and alcohol, not only in the amount but as well as in quality. Not every calorie is the same and there should be a more conscious effort on how to keep ourselves healthy with a proper balanced diet and by consuming in moderation. While wine may not have benefits such as essential vitamins and minerals, it is still one of the ideal beverages you can consume with your meal and it is the only drink that can elevate a standard meal to enrich your dining experience.