Wine and Digestion

When consumed with meals, wine provides not only a delightful complement to the food, but also serves as a digestive aid.

How does wine aid digestion?
Wine aids in the production and flow of gastric juices. This facilitates digestion by breaking down the food in the stomach quickly and effectively.
 
Recent studies have also shown that red and white wine can kill three types of bacteria present in the stomach: salmonella, shigella, and E-coli. In fact, wine was more successful at wiping out these bacteria than bismuth salicylate (better known as Pepto-Bismol), which took three to four times as long to kill the bacteria.

These types of bacteria commonly cause several unfortunate stomach ailments, such as dysentery, diarrhea, and food poisoning. This study suggests that a glass or two of wine with meals can help prevent such stomach problems.

Wine is also a well-known antioxidant. Antioxidants are a group of several substances, such as vitamins A, E, C, the Carotenoids, and selenium, that combat free radicals (usually oxygen molecules). If these oxygen molecules don't get deactivated, they can cause cell damage. Wine (as well as fruits and vegetables, which are other antioxidants) helps neutralize this process.

A couple of glasses of wine a day can most likely help to aid in digestion and preserve cell formation. Consumed in moderation, wine can help you live a healthier life.