Why is it that wine and grapes provide health benefits?

Getting historical, philosophical and scientific for a moment, it stands to reason that wine and grapes provide many health benefits.

History

Man has been producing and consuming wine as far back as 10,000 years ago. It was a significant part of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and other cultures. All it takes is a vacation to Italy, Greece, France, Africa, Australia, Canada, South America, the U.S. etc. to realize that humans have been growing grapes for a long time (just about anywhere) and producing wines.

Culture

“To your health” we say as we sip wine, and this translates to virtually every language on earth. We drink wine at marriages, secular and religious holidays, festivals and events, and many daily meals. Wine is built into the very fabric of our culture.

Religion

Wine is the “blood of Christ” in Christianity, and offered in many religions (including Judaism, many ancient religions, etc.) as a symbol. God provided for men and women with the “fruit of the vine” which nourishes us, provides good health, and calms and alleviates stress.

Growing Conditions

Have you been to a vineyard lately? I have, and live right next to one. It’s hot, dry, exposed to lots of UV sunlight, has rocky soil, etc. Humans can wear clothes and sunscreen, but grapes cannot. Think of the places that produce the best wines – California, South Africa, France, Australia, Italy, Spain, Greece, etc., and you’ll see a common thread in the growing season. Growers prune their vines to get a lower, but superior, product yield.

Science

Grapes have a very high natural sugar content. When the pulp, along with the skins and seeds are fermented, yeast turns these sugars into alcohol. The longer in contact with the seeds and skins, the higher the resveratrol content in wine.