Benefits Of Red Wine During Pregnancy

Last Updated on May 22, 2024 by Joshua Isibor

Pregnant women are usually required to cut out foods, and beverages that are considered to be unsafe or harmful to their babies. And most times, these foods or beverages are what they enjoy the Most.

Drinking red wine could be your usual habit. Pregnant women are usually advised to give up drinking red wine, while there are some women who claim that they have had no complications during pregnancy and childbirth even after drinking several glasses of red wine. This confuses many pregnant women and begs the question, can pregnant women drink red wine without facing any complications?

A study conducted in Britain showed that drinking one glass of wine a day by women during pregnancy did not in any way cause any harm to the fetus and the kids born were absolutely fine.

In fact, a relatively new experiment showed that kids aged to 7 years whose mothers drank red wine regularly during pregnancy showed better mental health development; heavy consumption of red wine by pregnant women is not advised as it can lead to significant developmental issues in children.

Although drinking any amount of wine during pregnancy is advised against, there are a few benefits of drinking red wine during pregnancy.

According to a study conducted in America, non-alcoholic red wine reduces the chances of cardiovascular disease. It lowers blood pressure thereby decreasing the risk of a heart attack and the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

Red wines contain antioxidants such as resveratrol, epicatechin, Polyphenols, and proanthocyanidins. Resveratrol and proanthocyanidins are mainly responsible for keeping you healthy. These antioxidants help relieve blood pressure and prevent cancerous and inflammatory diseases.

Regular and moderate consumption of red wine can effectively reduce the risks of certain types of cancers such as basal cell, colon, prostate carcinoma, ovarian, etc. Scientists used a dose of resveratrol on human cancer cells and found that it obstructs the key action of the cancer-aiding protein.

People still question the validity of red wine’s health benefits. However, studies have shown that regularly consuming a moderate amount of red wine helps prevent a number of diseases, including heart disease, and these benefits extend to pregnant women.

• Red wine has a positive effect on hypertension and contains good anti-ageing properties that help prevent wrinkles and weakness. Drinking Red wine during pregnancy helps keep the heart healthy and even presents heart diseases. The antioxidants in red wine also maintain the level of good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein that is good for the heart and arteries.
• Drinking red wine lowers bad cholesterol that may have accumulated in your system. Bad cholesterol, when accumulated in the body, can prevent the proper flow of blood and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. According to a study, high-fibre red grapes used to make certain varieties of red wine lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant present in red wines that prevent unwanted clotting by keeping the blood vessels flexible. However, heavy drinking could damage the heart.
• Some natural compounds found in grape skin used to make red wine control blood sugar levels in diabetic persons. An example of these natural compounds is resveratrol. Research has shown that people who consumed about 250 mg of resveratrol supplements once daily for three months had lower glucose levels in the blood than those who did not. Resveratrol also reduces cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure.
• Consumption of red wine during pregnancy helps to prevent overweight and obesity. The chemical compound piceatannol converted from resveratrol reduces the fatty acids and fat cells in our body. According to researchers, piceatannol, a compound found in red wines, fastens the insulin receptors of fat cells, which blocks the pathways required for immature fat cells to grow.

Again, consumption of red wine during pregnancy reduces the risk of depression. A study carried out on middle-aged to elderly people showed that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol regularly keeps away depression. It helps reduce nagging and gloominess in pregnant women. People who drink red wine are less likely to be depressed than people who don’t.

Research has shown that red wine positively affects the digestive system and aids digestion. The anti-bacterial nature of red wines has enabled them to treat stomach irritation and other digestive disorders. Moderate wine consumption has also been shown to reduce the risk of infection from Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium usually found in the stomach.

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The antioxidants in red wines also treat the common cold. Antioxidants protect cells against the harmful effects of free radicals, which play strong roles in colds, cancer, and other diseases.

Red wine also keeps your memory sharp. According to research, resveratrol present in red wines inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid protein, a major ingredient contained in the plaque of the brains of people with Alzheimer’s syndrome.

Consumption of red wine by pregnant women has other importance. Red wine prevents anaemia and improves lung function. It also helps maintain the muscles of the heart.

Red wine is important during pregnancy because it helps pregnant women relax and unwind. There is no doubt that pregnancy is an especially stressful time. The body seems entirely different, women encounter mood swings and depression. They are usually worried about the health of the fetus. With red wine, alcohol-free, pregnant women can enjoy a nice, relaxing evening, sipping on a glass of their favourite wine without worrying about the alcoholic content.

Red wine should be consumed moderately by pregnant women as it can be detrimental to the health of the unborn child if consumed excessively.

This doesn’t mean pregnant women cannot indulge in drinking their favourite red wine once in a while. The ideally recommended volume shouldn’t be more than 1-1.5 glasses a week. It is also advisable to skip wine for 1 or 2 days in between so that there can be a sufficient gap in drinking.

ALSO, READ 13 Things Unborn Babies Hate In Mom’s Stomach

Originally posted 2021-11-01 11:34:49.