Wine Law

WINE, POLYPHENOLS AND HEALTH BENEFITS 241 are the phenolic components. In turn, within the phenolic components, the most relevant are the polyphenols, that is, those that have more than one phenol group in their structure. Finally, among the polyphenols, the most important is resveratrol, a polyphenol that belongs to the stilbene family. Given that a litre of wine has approximately 1-7 mg of resveratrol in it, the moderate and responsible consumption of red wine per day recommended will be around 125 ml for women and 250 ml for men. These volumes of red wine contain the optimal concentrations of resveratrol for health benefits. 2.1. What is Resveratrol? Resveratrol is also an antioxidant molecule, that is, a molecule capable of neutralising free radicals – the mechanism of action by which these molecules induce their beneficial effects on health. In nature, resveratrol can be found in two isoforms: cis and trans, the latter being the most abundant, stable and powerful form of resveratrol. In vitro and in vivo studies, in cellular, animal and human models, as well as epidemiological studies, support a series of beneficial properties for the health of the molecule’s compounds. Among the properties of this substance, we can highlight its activity as a cardiovascular protector, anticancer, antiplatelet, anti- inflammatory and anti-allergic. There are also numerous scientific studies that demonstrate the benefits of resveratrol as a protector in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. This natural polyphenol also acts as a photo-protector, preventing, for instance, skin cancer, which is why it is suggested the possibility of using it in sunscreens. Another of the little known applications of this polyphenol is for periodontal treatment in smokers. It has also been shown that, among other effects, this substance prevents alterations to the immune system, improves blood parameters, limits the spread of cancer cells, activates the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death, which works in coordination with a process to destroy damaged cells and prevent them from initiating their malignant transformation), protects sperm and red blood cells from oxidation and activates proteins that delay cell ageing.