While a sulphite allergy is very hard to diagnose, it appears as many different symptoms and can vary from person to person, but when it comes down to it, if you feel ill after supermarket wine, beer or processed foods? It’s very difficult to know where you stand within it because sulphite can be found in nearly all examples of processed food. The easiest test for this is to try some sulphite free wine and to see if you still feel some of the effects, if you are all clear then you may have a sulphite allergy, symptoms to look for include restricted breathing, flushing, vomiting, the swelling up of your mouth, itching, sneezing to a streaming nose, it could be anything.
And if you think that buying natural wines such as those that are organic or biodynamic are a good alternative, you are mistaken; these wines are often packed with sulphites too. The only way you can be sure of having no sulphites is buying ‘Sulphite Free Wines’. However be careful, this is a little talked about issue and therefore a lot of retailers and winemakers don’t understand it, and may in avertedly give you false advice. ‘Natural Wine’ as a term is being tossed around recently and can refer to any number of things so purchasing one of these is a risk.
Wine is simply one of the best ways to relax, enjoy a social gathering and even acts as a perfect complement to a well-cooked meal. This has made wine an extremely popular drink, with a hug range of different types becoming available by avid wine producers across the globe. Do you enjoy wine? If so, you will be pleased to know that it can in fact be a part of a healthy diet! That’s right; go and pour yourself a glass now!
While many people think that wine has to be cut out if you are trying to lose weight, they are in fact wrong to some extent. Reducing your alcohol intake is probably a great idea, but there has been evidence suggesting that small to moderate amounts of certain alcohol can in fact be healthy. Even beyond the ‘dieting’ factor, there are a number of other health benefits you can thrive on through drinking wine in moderation.
Scientific Studies on Wine & Tannin
A study published in the “Archives of Internal Medicine” discovered that women who were of an average weight, who consumed light to moderate amounts of alcohol gained less weight and has less of a chance of becoming overweight over a 12.9 year study period, as opposed to those who didn’t drink any, or those over indulged. The normal weight women who consumed light to moderate amounts of wine were able to balance food and wine appropriately, meaning if the average woman can do the same, it can be beneficial. How does this work?
Well, a fundamental component of wine called “tannin” adds structure to wine. This gives the wine that mouthwatering, drying quality that is sought after by wine drinkers. These qualities create a harsh action on the lining of your mouth, which draws the skin tight together. When swallowed, the same action takes place on your stomach, which means that you may appear to feel a little more ‘full’, meaning you are less likely to overindulge at dinner time! Tannins are most commonly and most presently found in red wines, such as pinot noir, syrah and merlot, which also rank high for antioxidants, another health benefit of wine.
Antioxidants in Wine
In moderation, red wine has been suggested to be healthy for the heart, as antioxidants found in the wine may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of ‘good’ cholesterol and protect against artery damage. Whilst the antioxidants are good for you, doctors do not by any means encourage people to start drinking just for these benefits. An ingredient called ‘resveratrol’ is found in red wine, which has proven to have excellent effects on animals, which could suggest developed use could help humans become protected from obesity and diabetes. The fact that the resveratrol ingredient is considered as potentially beneficial, must be told with the current fact that for humans to reap real benefits, they must drink around 60 litres of red wine per day – something that will most definitely cause more bad than good!
Focus on Small, Quality Indulgences
Cutting down on wine may seem like a big sacrifice to some. An idea suggested by medical experts if for people to start cutting out poor quality – cheap wine, and replacing it with good quality, finer natural wines. An occasional glass of high quality wine beats a few glasses of cheap wine because; it tastes better, it is not harmful like cheap wine, will not leave you hung-over! Organic wine is becoming a popular choice for many people, as they are much more beneficial to your health as they do not have the additives and calories that that nasty cheap stuff does!
The Bottom Line
If you can balance a healthy lifestyle with diet, you’ll be a much happier, lively and healthier person. Drinking occasional fine wine along with good quality food will result in a higher standard of living, enabling you to maintain a healthy weight and level of cholesterol!
