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What is Red Wine Extract?

Jessica F. Black
Jessica F. Black

Red wine extract is the beneficial anti-oxidants extracted from red wine, including anthocyanins, resveratrol, and polyphenols. The most significant of the three is the resveratrol, which has proven to be more effective than many vitamins and may have anti-cancer qualities. This potent ingredient is usually found in the skins, leaves, seeds, pulp, and branches of grapes, which is transferred into the red wine during fermentation. The alcohol content is wine is considered a toxin, so the healthiest way to receive these benefits is to purchase capsules or other forms that eliminate the alcohol content.

Anthocyanin is a water-soluble pigment found in many purple or red fruits, especially in the branches of grapes. The positive effects on the body can include reducing inflammation and diabetes. Polyphenol is an organic chemical found in most plant leaves, and is often used in dietary supplements or anti-aging products. Resveratrol is an anti-oxidant found in many plants, but the highest content is generally found in red wine. Drug companies have manufactured it under many generic names that are sold as health products and are advertised to slow aging, work against cancer, and improve the immune system.

Red wine contains beneficial anti-oxidants.
Red wine contains beneficial anti-oxidants.

New techniques have been discovered in order to receive the nutrients from red wine. Previously, specialists would extract anti-oxidants from each part of the plant individually. The current process, commonly called red wine extract formula, takes the ingredients through fermentation and then removes the alcohol. Various types of red wine are usually tested to find the highest amounts of anti-oxidants, and Chilean wines have been found to have the highest concentrations, primarily due to the weather conditions. Enhanced levels of anti-oxidants are usually due to the suitable weather throughout the entire year.

The anti-oxidants extracted from red wine include anthocyanins, resveratrol, and polyphenols.
The anti-oxidants extracted from red wine include anthocyanins, resveratrol, and polyphenols.

A combination of these ingredients may aid the regulation of hormones, promote an anti-aging process, and reduce inflammation. Aside from minor effects, red wine extract may reduce the severity of Alzheimer's disease, prevent liver damage, decreases the risk of stroke, and assist with symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Tests have shown that it may improve fertility and sperm production.

The alcohol contained in wine is a toxin, so drinking red wine might not be the best way to consume it's anti-oxidants.
The alcohol contained in wine is a toxin, so drinking red wine might not be the best way to consume it's anti-oxidants.

There have been minimal effects listed for red wine extract, but customers should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages in order to receive the beneficial health effects. Although red wine has anti-oxidants, the negative effects of alcohol may counteract the positives. The most dangerous problems associated with alcohol abuse are heart disease and liver damage, which is the primary reason that red wine extract is successful when consumed in pill or powder form.

Discussion Comments

burcidi

@feruze-- Red wine supplements are still better than grape supplements because it has higher concentrations of antioxidants. So I think you should use red wine extract.

Extra antioxidants is always good, as long as it comes from a pure source and toxic substances haven't been added to the supplements. But I think it's wrong to expect any miracles.

I hear about scientific studies done on extracts all the time too. Most of the time, the amount of extracts used in those studies are huge. Way more than we can consume under normal circumstances and definitely more than what the supplements on the market currently offer. So it would be illogical to expect the same results as what was seen in mice trials.

literally45

@feruze-- I think red wine extract and grape extract are essentially the same. I haven't even seen any grape extract in markets. I have seen grape seed extract, but that's different. If you wanted to try grape extract, I think you would get the same exact benefits from red wine extract which is probably easier to find.

I want to try red wine extract too. In my biology class today, my instructor mentioned a study that has been done on red wine extract. Apparently, resveratrol in red wine extract is really good for obesity. It not only helps prevent weight gain, but it protects the body against the side effects of obesity too. Drug companies are even thinking about making weight loss medications using the extract.

If the extract really works the way these scientists claim it to, it would be great for people struggling with obesity.

bear78

If red wine extract benefits come from the antioxidants found in different parts of grapes, why don't we just take grape extract? Is there any additional benefit of taking red wine extract?

I'm looking for a natural supplement that can provide me with lots of antioxidants. I've been getting sick a lot lately and I think the antioxidants will help strengthen my immune system.

I've heard good things about red wine extract, but I'm not sure about how different it is from grape extract.

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    • Red wine contains beneficial anti-oxidants.
      By: albphoto
      Red wine contains beneficial anti-oxidants.
    • The anti-oxidants extracted from red wine include anthocyanins, resveratrol, and polyphenols.
      By: Oleg Zhukov
      The anti-oxidants extracted from red wine include anthocyanins, resveratrol, and polyphenols.
    • The alcohol contained in wine is a toxin, so drinking red wine might not be the best way to consume it's anti-oxidants.
      By: daviles
      The alcohol contained in wine is a toxin, so drinking red wine might not be the best way to consume it's anti-oxidants.
    • Red wine extract may reduce the severity of Alzheimer's disease.
      By: chuugo
      Red wine extract may reduce the severity of Alzheimer's disease.
    • It's possible that red wine extract can help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      It's possible that red wine extract can help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
    • Some anti-aging creams contain resveratrol or polyphenols.
      By: luiscarceller
      Some anti-aging creams contain resveratrol or polyphenols.
    • Customers should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages in order to receive the beneficial health effects.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Customers should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages in order to receive the beneficial health effects.
    • Red wine extract may help prevent liver damage.
      By: pankajstock123
      Red wine extract may help prevent liver damage.