Can red wine increase hemoglobin in the blood - scientific facts

The health and correct functioning of the cardiovascular and circulatory systems is a key condition for the normal functioning of the entire body as a whole, since their functions are to deliver nutrients and oxygen in the blood to all organs, tissues and systems of the body.

The ability of the circulatory system to supply the body with oxygen is diagnosed in accordance with the level of hemoglobin in the blood. A lack of hemoglobin is called “anaemia” - a condition that signals either a serious illness or an unhealthy lifestyle, including factors such as:

• unbalanced diet;
• insufficient water consumption;
• presence of stress and bad habits.

Factors of heredity and genetics also play a significant role.

studies have become widespread , according to which residents of France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece suffer less than others from problems with the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. According to the established assumption, a diet that includes the consumption of red wine contributes to maintaining the health of the heart, blood vessels and blood.

Other studies indicate that alcohol consumption is associated with a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood, which can contribute to the development of some serious diseases.

In this article we will discuss the effect of wine on the cardiovascular and circulatory systems in general, as well as on hemoglobin levels in particular.

Effect on the circulatory system

Wine consumption indeed affects the condition of the heart, blood vessels, blood flow and the process of hematopoiesis.

It is important, however, to meet certain conditions:

1. give preference to dry red wine;
2. consume responsibly - that is, in accordance with the instructions of specialists and within established standards;
3. choose a quality product.

It is also advisable to consult with your attending physician, and in addition, take into account the factor of fermentation, which allows the body to remove and process alcohol.

Dry red wine in small quantities has a beneficial effect on the entire cardiovascular and circulatory systems. In particular, due to the systematic consumption of a glass of dry red wine, positive changes occur in the body.

Thus, scientists talk about the following beneficial effects of consumption:

1. increased hemoglobin levels;
2. improved blood circulation;
3. stimulation of blood flow;
4. preventing the development of atherosclerosis;
5. blood thinning.

The increase in hemoglobin levels is due to the content in dry red wine of a certain set of microelements and nutrients involved in the synthesis of red blood cells, which also include hemoglobin. The natural nature of the effect makes it possible not only to increase hemoglobin when its level in the blood is low, but also to normalize its level if it is elevated.

Critical days are not for exploits!

It is especially important to monitor hemoglobin on critical days. Even during short periods, its level drops significantly. And during a period of prolonged blood loss associated with menstrual irregularities, it can reach a critical level. This is fraught with the development of anemia. Therefore, visiting a gynecologist is always the right decision.

Physical activity is not advisable at this time. Because the consumption of oxygen, which is already lacking in the body, increases.

Analysis, blood, test

Which variety should you prefer?

As for other wines, it is important to understand the following when consuming them.

1. Dry red wine is the most preferred among all varieties. If you cannot drink dry wine, opt for semi-dry or semi-sweet wine.
2. The white variety has a different effect on the body than the red variety. It has virtually no effect on the production of red blood cells, but has a positive effect on the digestive system.
3. Sweet varieties , due to the large amount of sugar they contain, do not lose their benefits for blood formation, but they are largely devalued due to negative processes caused by the effects of sugar.
4. Cahors, however, is considered one of the healthiest drinks for restoring and maintaining hemoglobin levels at a level sufficient for a healthy life. Doctors often prescribe 3-4 tablespoons of Cahors for those whose hemoglobin levels are critically low. Doctors recommend taking this traditional church drink with spoons, not glasses.

In addition to the beneficial effect on hemoglobin levels, Cahors has other beneficial effects for the body. Among them, the following deserve special mention:

1. providing a general strengthening effect;
2. prevention of colds;
3. stimulation of the immune and digestive systems.

The consumption of Cahors, like the consumption of wine, should be approached responsibly, since containing a large amount of sugar can lead to additional problems. In addition, Cahors contains substances that can cause headaches. For this reason, it is not recommended to take Cahors at night.

Does red wine really increase hemoglobin?

Red wine increases hemoglobin if it is a high-quality product created according to all the rules. It will help get rid of anemia and improve the functioning of the hematopoietic system as a whole, but several factors are important here:

• for these purposes, the healthiest thing is dry wine that does not contain any impurities, and not sweet, semi-sweet or fortified wine;
• Before introducing the product into your diet, you should consult a doctor, since not everyone is recommended to use even weak alcohol;
• You need to drink the drink in very moderate quantities, monitoring your well-being, especially if you have chronic diseases.

The iron content in red wine is quite high, because it is made from berries, which contain 0.36 mg of this substance per 100 g. The drink itself contains less of the component important for raising hemoglobin. But there is zinc, copper, selenium, which are necessary for the absorption of iron. Ascorbic acid is also present, without which the substance is less absorbed, as well as B vitamins.

For good heart function, the presence of magnesium and potassium in red wine is important, which ensures the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.

Rules of consumption and daily allowance

It should be noted that countries that consume dry red wine on a daily basis are characterized by a special established consumption culture, which includes:

• limited consumption;
• pairing wine with healthy food;
• drinking wine in a calm mood and in pleasant company.

These rules also apply to the consumption of wine for medicinal purposes. To raise hemoglobin levels and keep them at an acceptable level, 1 glass (175 ml) per day is enough . During feasts, the norm can be increased to 2-3 glasses (350 - 475 ml).

Rules for drinking red wine for anemia

Red wine for anemia will help to quickly restore health with moderate consumption - no more than 1-1.5 glasses (100-150 ml) per day. Women should drink less than men; for them, the norm for pure alcohol is up to 20 ml. The stronger sex has a higher threshold - up to 30 ml of ethanol.

The drink should be on the table no more than 3-4 times a week. You should drink it slowly. And you definitely need to supplement it with healthy food, for example, boiled beef or veal. They go well with dry red wine and are themselves sources of iron. Other foods high in this substance should also be included in the diet.

Features of use during pregnancy

The beauty of dry red wine is that its consumption is not contraindicated during pregnancy.

Doctors allow consumption of up to a glass of wine per day throughout the entire period of pregnancy (preferably up to 100 ml and not daily).

It is recommended to dilute it with cool water and take it in small portions. This way it will be better and softer absorbed by the body.

During pregnancy, consultation with a doctor about the permissibility of drinking wine, including to raise hemoglobin levels, is a must!

How much wine to drink

Traditional social requirements for moderation have emerged: three cups of wine per drinker per day. It was probably this dose that led to the creation of a wine bottle with a strange, at first glance, capacity - 0.75 liters, sufficient, for example, to hold three glasses of wine for each of two drinkers. The requirements of moderation date back to ancient times. The Athenian statesman Eubulus described the effects of drinking wine in 375 BC: “I must mix three cups: one for health, the second for love and pleasure, the third for good sleep. After drinking three cups, the wise guests go home. The fourth cup is no longer ours, it belongs to violence; fifth - noise; sixth - drunken revelry; seventh - black eyes; the eighth - to peace officers; the ninth - to suffering and the tenth - to madness and the destruction of furniture." The maximum dose of wine these days is limited by the amount of alcohol it contains. It is believed that for an adult man, the amount of wine drunk per day with a strength of 10% should not exceed 400 grams.

What else should you include in your diet?

To raise and maintain hemoglobin levels, the diet must contain certain groups of foods, the benefits of which are not limited solely to the correction of hemoglobin levels, but also lead to other positive changes in the body. Among the products you should give preference to:

1. fresh seasonal fruits - especially pomegranates, since pomegranate is the record holder for the amount of substances beneficial to the heart and circulatory system; bananas, citrus fruits, pineapples, peaches, apricots, red grapes, apples, plums, etc. are also useful;
2. berries: lingonberries, cranberries, chokeberries (chokeberries), currants, blueberries, blueberries and strawberries;
3. fresh herbs - lettuce, coriander, parsley;
4. vegetables - first of all, this applies to beets, since, according to research, the effect of beet juice on the cardiovascular and circulatory systems is comparable and superior to the principle of action of leading medical developments;
5. red lean meat;
6. fish - first of all, preference should be given to wild salmon (sockeye salmon, chum salmon, pink salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon), although salmon and trout also, of course, have a beneficial effect on the heart and hemoglobin level, as does caviar;
7. cottage cheese and low-fat milk (adults are recommended to choose dairy products with a reduced lactose content, because with age the body loses the ability to process milk sugar);
8. nuts are a storehouse of vitamins, secrets, intelligence, health, longevity and strength for the heart, blood vessels, immune, reproductive systems and the whole body;
9. dried fruits - in the off-season, dried fruits are much healthier than their counterparts grown using chemical influence.

How to open wine

This operation is especially delicate and requires certain dexterity and skill. Every bottle of good wine has a cork covered with a special cap. Removing it incorrectly or ineptly can ruin the aesthetic appearance of the bottle. In addition, if the wine is old red, then special care is required so as not to disturb the tannin sediment that forms in the bottle. That is why a bottle of red wine must be placed in a vertical position in advance, a day or better yet two before it is opened. In this case, the sediment will sink to the bottom. If the bottle of red wine has not been placed in a vertical position in advance, then a special “cradle” is used. The bottle is placed in it with the label facing up, the cork is carefully removed using a corkscrew and the wine is poured, holding the “cradle” tightly together with the bottle. So, it is necessary to remove the over-cork covering (cap). To do this, use a sharp knife to cut it directly under the protruding part of the neck of the bottle. After which the upper part of the cap can be easily removed and does not interfere with the pouring of wine. Then you need to pull out the cork using a corkscrew. Invented around 1790 by an English gunsmith, a device for opening bottles, called a corkscrew, was improved and improved many times. Currently, there are many different designs of corkscrews. However, they all have the same operating principle: a spiral with rounded edges (so as not to shred the cork) up to 5.5 cm long penetrates the cork and removes it from the bottle without much effort. In 1979, the Englishman Allen developed the Scrupull corkscrew model, which became popular throughout the world. The corkscrew is screwed into the cork strictly in its center and vertically. If possible, the cork should not be stuck all the way through to avoid small crumbs getting into the wine. But you also can’t screw the corkscrew in loosely: this will inevitably lead to screwing it in again, but through it and with the formation of small crumbs from the cork. The corkscrew with the cork must be pulled carefully and silently, avoiding unnecessary pop. After uncorking, the neck of the bottle is wiped again with a napkin. Experienced sommeliers, having pulled out the cork, smell it unnoticed by others. If the smell is unpleasant, this indicates a 'corky taste' and the bottle will need to be replaced. Having poured some wine into a glass, the waiter invites the customer to try it. If the wine is liked and approved, they begin serving all guests. In this case, the wine must be poured from the right side. The bottle is held in such a way that the label can be seen. It is indecent to hold a bottle by the neck or to pour wine through the back of your hand. The art of pouring also lies in the fact that, after filling the glass, slightly twist the bottle. In this case, not a single drop will be spilled. If the owner of the house pours wine at the table, then he should start with his glass, filling it halfway, and then offer it clockwise (from left to right) to all guests. Particular attention should be paid to uncorking old port wine aged more than thirty years. The cork in such drinks is usually very difficult to remove in the usual way. For these purposes, special forceps called tenaz are used in Portugal. This traditional instrument is first heated red-hot, then it is wrapped around the neck of the bottle below the cork for about ten seconds. Then the tenash is removed, cold water is poured onto the neck, and its upper part, in which the cork is located, is carefully broken off from the bottle.

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Useful properties of wine

The wine has pronounced antibacterial properties. It has been noted that during epidemics, the number of cases in wine-growing regions and among people who regularly drink wine is somewhat lower. Research has shown that wine suppresses the bacteria of tuberculosis, cholera, malaria, etc. Moreover, wine diluted twice with water produces almost the same effect. Therefore, during epidemics, especially in regions susceptible to them, doctors recommend drinking table wine half diluted with water instead of drinking water. In addition, dry white table wine perfectly quenches thirst. Natural wine is also useful for colds and chronic diseases, such as flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. For such diseases, you should drink mulled wine + hot red table wine with spices and sugar, for example, such as Cabernet or Merlot. For disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, red wines with a high content of tannins, for example Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet, are useful. Such wines, due to the presence of tannins, have a strengthening and healing effect on the stomach, especially with scars and stomach ulcers. Wine also helps with obesity and metabolic disorders. They remove waste and toxins from the human body and normalize metabolism. A particularly valuable property of wines is their ability to lower cholesterol levels, which has been confirmed by numerous experiments, for example on rabbits. It has been established that in the same area, people who regularly drink wine have a lower cholesterol level. Wine also helps against radiation. Thus, in the former Soviet Union, people working in the nuclear and similar industries and in conditions associated with increased radioactive danger were regularly prescribed the use of Cahors (for example, submariners on nuclear-powered ships). For diabetes mellitus, dry grape wines with low sugar and glucose content (less than 4 grams per 1 liter) are suitable. Light white and especially champagne wines help maintain weakened cardiac activity. Thus, white semi-dry wines have a positive effect on the elasticity of blood vessels and reduce the risk of blood clots and myocardial infarction. And champagne also improves lung ventilation, stimulating the respiratory centers.

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Other Important Recommendations

Thus, although alcohol is generally considered a substance harmful to the body, its consumption in the form of good wine or Cahors in small doses can have a complex effect on the body. To raise hemoglobin levels in general, it is necessary to take other measures, including, first of all, the following:

1. to refuse from bad habits;
2. engage in physical activity in the fresh air (under appropriate weather and temperature conditions);
3. try to improve the geography of residence as much as possible, giving preference to green areas with a good environmental situation;
4. Visit your doctor regularly to identify potential risks in the early stages;
5. Avoid stress as much as possible and concentrate on positive opportunities to improve your own life situation;
6. consume enough water per day;
7. give preference to proper nutrition.

“Can I have a glass of wine?”

Patients often ask about this - both those who are preparing for the IVF protocol and those who are already undergoing a cycle. Since the problem is so relevant, let’s look at it in more detail. Let's talk about this with obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist at GMS IVF Yulia Kikina.

The Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, Veronika Skvortsova, recently officially announced the health benefits of small doses of alcohol*. We can quite agree with this. Our great mentor Hippocrates left us as a legacy not only an oath, but also a description of wine as a healing agent (antiseptic, diuretic, sedative and even as a solvent for medicines).

The truth is in the wine

In vino veritas. This is the winged Latin expression of Pliny the Elder.

It is not for nothing that the French and Italians prefer to drink a glass of red wine with dinner; as scientists have shown, it is not only tasty, but also beneficial to the body. Let's look at some of the beneficial properties of this noble drink.

1. Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer . American scientists have conducted research and found that the skin of red grapes contains elements that can increase testosterone levels and lower estrogen levels in menopausal women, which significantly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. Only red wine has similar properties, since regular consumption of alcohol, on the contrary, increases the risk of developing cancer.
2. Dry wine increases hemoglobin levels. In addition to increasing hemoglobin levels, dry red wine protects the walls of blood vessels from the accumulation of cholesterol, thereby increasing the amount of lipoproteins in the blood, which leads to the destruction of atherosclerotic plaques and reduces the likelihood of coronary disease.
3. Prevents caries. When you drink red wine, it coats the surface of your teeth, preventing plaque bacteria from spreading; in addition, wine is also useful for strengthening your gums.
4. Helps not to gain excess weight. Surprisingly, alcohol, on the contrary, has a detrimental effect on weight, while researchers have found that grapes contain elements that can improve metabolism and stop the growth of fat cells. Of course, you can’t prescribe a wine diet for yourself, but drinking wine without fear of getting empty extra calories is quite possible.
5. Improves sleep. Drinking a glass of red wine a day can boost immunity and improve the quality of sleep, due to the fact that its properties have a tonic effect on the body.
6. Improves memory . German scientists have found that grapes, red wine and dark chocolate contain resveratrol, a natural phytoalexin that can really improve memory. So, if you suspect that your memory has deteriorated, treat yourself to a slice of dark chocolate, washing it down with red wine.

The main thing to remember is that, despite all the advantages and benefits of red wine, you should not start leaning on alcohol; a glass at dinner is enough to tone up the body.

What is hemoglobin

Hemoglobin (Hb, hemoglobin), from Greek. haima 'blood' and Latin. globus 'ball': a coloring substance in the blood, a component of erythrocytes - red blood cells. In the body, hemoglobin carries oxygen from the respiratory organs to the tissues and is involved in the transfer of carbon dioxide from the tissues to the respiratory organs. The normal hemoglobin level is 120-140 g/l. During pregnancy, it also normally decreases towards the end of the second trimester. If hemoglobin decreases before 24 weeks of pregnancy, this indicates anemia, which may be caused by a lack of iron, folic acid, copper, zinc, as well as dysbiosis and nervous stress.

Important Notes

• Iron is best absorbed from food if you consume foods rich in vitamin C along with it, for example, fruit and vegetable juices: you can wash down iron-fortified porridge for breakfast with orange juice, and cutlets for lunch with tomato juice.
• Regular black tea interferes with the absorption of iron; it is better to drink green tea instead.
• It is not recommended to use liver as a source of iron during pregnancy - due to the increased content of vitamins A and D in it and the likelihood of their overdose (of all known vitamins, excessive consumption of only these two poses a health hazard).
• Pomegranate juice is very effective in raising hemoglobin levels, but can cause constipation. If hemoglobin is greatly reduced, then it is difficult to increase it only with the help of nutrition - you need to take medications containing iron (as prescribed by a doctor). Very good dietary supplements from NUTRILITE, especially the so-called “Iron” NUTRILITE chewable tablets with iron.

Foods that help increase hemoglobin

• Meat products: kidneys, heart, fish, poultry, tongue (to maintain hemoglobin levels, you can eat 50 g of boiled beef tongue daily), white chicken meat.
• Porridge, cereals: buckwheat, rye, beans, lentils, peas, oatmeal.
• Vegetables and herbs: tomatoes, potatoes (baked with skin), onions, pumpkin, beets, green vegetables, young turnip tops, mustard, watercress, dandelion leaves, spinach, parsley.
• Fruits: red/green apples, Semerenko apples, plums, bananas, pomegranates, pears, peaches, apricots (dried apricots), persimmons, quince.
• Berries: black currants and cranberries (you can buy frozen ones, this also helps; cranberries can be covered in sugar), strawberries/strawberries, blueberries.
• Juices: pomegranate (2 sips daily), beetroot, carrot, “Red fruit juice”; Apple juice specially designed for pregnant women with a high iron content.
• Other: walnuts, black/red caviar, seafood, egg yolk, dark chocolate, dried mushrooms, dried fruits, hematogen.

For vascular diseases

It is known that the abuse of alcoholic beverages negatively affects the internal organs and systems of the body. If you regularly consume low-quality booze, you can provoke the occurrence of various diseases.

However, with good wine, made from natural ingredients and properly purified, the situation is different. Many doctors believe that if you drink a glass of wine 2-3 times a week, you can improve your health. This drink can be especially good for the heart.

For hypertension

High blood pressure is not an absolute contraindication for drinking wine. Whether red or white wine will be beneficial for this disease directly depends on the amount drunk.

When it enters the body, wine relaxes and dilates the walls of the arteries, causing blood circulation to become more free. As a result, the pressure decreases and the heartbeat becomes more uniform. But if you drink not 1, but 2 or 3 glasses, your heart rate will speed up, and then your blood pressure will rise.

That is why people diagnosed with hypertension need to monitor the amount they drink. With this disease, preference should be given to dry red wine, and it is better to avoid semi-sweet and sweet drinks.

Red dry

On a note! Red wine is very useful for anemia and iron deficiency. Also, 150 ml of the drink before meals helps improve appetite.

For atherosclerosis

With this disease, there is no need to completely give up alcohol. Depending on your own preferences, you can choose white, red, rose, dry or sweet wine. However, the greatest benefit for atherosclerosis will come from dry red or semi-sweet wine - these drinks thin the blood and reduce its coagulability, resulting in a reduced risk of blood clots.

Potential Harm

If you start abusing wine, this habit can provoke the following disorders:

• Heart rhythm failure . This deviation often causes the formation of a blood clot in the left atrium, which leads to ischemic stroke;
• Weakening of the myocardium . Leads to cardiomyopathy and subsequent heart failure;
• Increased blood pressure . Pathology increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.