As we’ve seen many times here on this blog and on many other
sources, red wine is chock full of phenolic compounds that not
only contribute to the sensory characteristics of the wine, but
also provide numerous health benefits for those that consume the
beverage. These antioxidant polyphenols have been shown to play
a role in protection against cardiovascular disease,
inflammation, and some cancers. One polyphenol in particular,
resveratrol (trans-3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene), has been
frequently found to possess health benefiting characteristics.
Resveratrol, which is a polyphenolic compound produced by grape
vines in response to fungal infection, is believed to be
beneficial for human health because of its ability to; inhibit
the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, block platelet
aggregation, and activate vasodilatation. Resveratrol, in
addition to many other polyphenols, is found in the skins and
seeds of grapes, and the final concentrations of which depend on
a variety of factors, including (but not limite