Wine Makes Food Taste Great

Enjoying Wine

For many people, wine may seem like a luxury item, to be enjoyed by the knowledgeable connoisseur or foodies with deep pockets along with restaurant chefs.

What’s all the whoopee over wine? First off, when you learn a few basics about pairing and how the flavors in wine complement the flavors in a meal, it can give you an unforgettable experience.

But do you also know that wine is affordable and can be part of a healthy lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation? Read on, and I’ll explain how.

So why do wine lovers and health nuts give wine two thumbs up? Much like fresh fruit and vegetables, wine contains antioxidants, that help your body protect its cells. Grapes contain a collection of compounds called polyphenolic flavenoids, which are other antioxidants found in the purple or red skins. One specific antioxidant that has peaked the interest of the medical community, resveratrol, which lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol and increases “good” HDL cholesterol in recent studies, is some promising news for people who suffer from heart disease.

Studies have linked antioxidants to a lower risk for cancer, heart disease, stroke, cataracts, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis. I admit, it’s a mighty long list, and many of the benefits are tentative. Suffice it to say, if you suffer from any of these, you probably need more than a few antioxidants.

Now, I’m not saying that wine is on par with fruits and veggies when it comes to overall health, but enjoying an aromatic glass, with a healthy diet can

  • improve the taste of your meal,
  • make it more interesting and
  • help you to cherish the experience of delicious home made cooking.

“But I don’t like wine!” some people confess. Not to worry.

it’s still possible to get the same health benefits by consuming other food items that contain antioxidants that you can find in your local grocery store, like broccoli, blueberries, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes. And the best part? They are super calorie friendly!

Next up on Wednesday: Wine 101 from a professional cook’s perspective!

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