Red wine is known to have several health benefits. Other than being rich in antioxidants, red wine can lower cholesterol, keep your heart healthy, and can even reduce the risk of cancer.
This may make red wine drinkers rejoice, but speaking from a fitness point of view, is red wine good to drink after a workout? The research may just prove so! To find out why you might want to have a glass after your next workout, keep reading this article.
Why Is Red Wine Good?
Some may drink red wine because it tastes good, but some drink it purely for health benefits. Several studies have looked at one of the antioxidants in red wine. Antioxidants are important as they break down free radicals within the body. Free radicals cause harm to healthy cells.
This is why fruit and vegetables should be a part of everyone’s diet, as they are rich in antioxidants. Red wine is rich in one called resveratrol. A lot of research has shown that resveratrol has several advantages, most notably increasing athletic ability.
The Research Found
Several studies have looked at resveratrol’s effect on the body. A study in Science Daily found that this antioxidant can help improve overall fitness levels.
This means that weightlifters, bodybuilders, and general gym goers may find that their performance improves if they add a glass of red wine to their day.
Another French study also found that resveratrol prevents muscles from breaking down. Two groups of rats were suspended in a way that stopped them from moving.
One group was given a resveratrol supplement. Unlike the other rats, this group didn’t see any loss in strength or muscle mass. This promising study could indicate that resveratrol in red wine could be good for those taking a break from exercising, as it may prevent muscle loss.
They also found that resveratrol mimicked the benefits of doing longer endurance-style training.
Possible Benefits Of Resveratrol
Research has found that resveratrol increases physical ability, prevents muscle loss, and mimics benefits received after exercise. This isn’t just amazing for weight lifters and bodybuilders, but for older people and disabled individuals.
As these people cannot exercise regularly, consuming enough resveratrol could stop them from losing muscle, keeping them healthy and strong.
It’s important to note that red wine isn’t a replacement for regular exercise. Nevertheless, the research found shows that red wine could be a performance enhancer.
People who exercise often may see an increase in strength, muscle mass, or better performance, all from drinking red wine after a workout. Nuts, mulberries, raspberries, and red grape juice are also rich in resveratrol, so teetotallers can still get the same effects.
Things To Take Note Of
As stated above, drinking wine should not replace your exercise regimen. Studies may have shown that resveratrol mimics exercise benefits, but the research found uses animal testing. We’re yet to see if resveratrol affects humans in the same way.
While these studies are promising, different red wines have various amounts of resveratrol within each bottle. Some brands may have more, some may have less.
If you want a wine that contains a lot of resveratrol, opt for Pinot Noir. Cornell University found that Pinot Noir contains higher resveratrol levels, but this does vary with brands, seasons, and location.
Resveratrol levels start increasing when fungi start attacking grapes. Pinot Noir grapes have thin skin. When they come into contact with fungi, they quickly create a lot of resveratrol to protect them from harm. The antioxidant then destroys any remaining fungi.
Wine from humid locations tends to use these thinner-skinned grapes. Look for bottles from France, New York, and Oregon. Skip Australian, Californian, or South African wines. These are dryer areas, so these wines won’t have as much resveratrol within.
Red wine also has a lot of calories. If you overdo the drinking, you could harm your fitness goals instead. If you love red wine, there’s no harm in having a glass after your workout, but don’t go overboard.
You may see an improvement in athletic performance, but this isn’t guaranteed. If you don’t normally drink, don’t start drinking just to see potential benefits!
