We already know that wine is one of the greatest things in life, but did you know that it could actually keep you from getting sick?
One more reason to pour yourself a glass!
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, has found that drinking wine could have some health benefits, one more reason to pour yourself a glass!
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According to this study, compounds found in both red and white wine have an antibacterial effect that helps fighting germs that can cause dental plaque and sore throats. Red wines have stronger antibacterial effects than white wine, although not by much.
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Surprisingly, the alcohol concentration in wine isn’t responsible for wine’s germ-fighting properties. Instead, it is due to the combination of organic compounds found in both red and white wines.
The researchers isolated compounds such as lactic, malic, succinic, and tartaric acids and neutralized their acidity. They showed that these compounds killed 99.9% of dental bacterias and germs that cause sore throats. Because the mixture worked better outside of the wine, the researchers think that something in the beverage reduces its antiseptic abilities.
However sipping or holding acidic drinks in the mouth before swallowing increases the risk of erosion on dental enamel. To cut down on this risk, doctors recommend to wait at least 20 minutes before brushing after eating any acidic foods.
Red wines have stronger antibacterial effects than white wine, although not by much.
The Bottom Line
So if you’re a wine lover this is really good news. Enjoying a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon could mean less colds and less trips to the dentist, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, pour yourself a glass of wine!