WINE AND HEALTH

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE BENEFITS OF OUR WINES

At Bodegas Pradorey, our passion for wine goes beyond flavor and tradition. Science continues to support what has been a pillar of Mediterranean culture for centuries: moderate consumption of red wine could benefit cardiovascular health. Convinced of its importance, we are committed to research and innovation to better understand how our wines can contribute to well-being. With this commitment, we have conducted an in-depth study, whose results have been published in the prestigious scientific journal Food & Function.

During this study, we analyzed how certain properties present in our wines interact with the gut microbiota, generating metabolites with a potentially positive impact on health. This research is part of our effort to scientifically demonstrate the benefits of moderate wine consumption.

WHAT MAKES OUR WINES SPECIAL?

Unlike other alcoholic beverages, red wine contains a high concentration of polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could promote vascular health. Among these, flavanols, also known as tannins, stand out. They not only influence the structure and stability of wine but may also have positive effects on the body.

Tannins mainly come from the skin and seeds of the grape, and their concentration varies depending on the winemaking process. To carry out this study, at Pradorey, we primarily selected Tempranillo grapes, known for their high tannin content and balanced polyphenolic profile. This allowed us to analyze firsthand how these compounds influence the gut microbiota and their potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

HOW WINE TANNINS INTERACT WITH THE GUT MICROBIOTA

One of the key findings of the study is that wine tannins are not directly absorbed but undergo a transformation process in the digestive system:

• During digestion in the stomach and small intestine, polymeric tannins break down into simpler compounds such as catechin and epicatechin.
• In the colon, the gut microbiota metabolizes these compounds, generating phenolic acids and valerolactone derivatives, which have greater bioavailability and can influence key processes for cardiovascular health.
• These metabolites do not remain solely in the digestive system; they are also absorbed and may play a role in regulating vascular function and other physiological processes.

PRADOREY WINE STUDY: METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS

To better understand these effects, we designed a study in collaboration with AINIA and the University of Salamanca, selecting two of our red wines from the 2020 and 2021 vintages. These were expressly chosen for their high tannin content, a key characteristic that has proven to be determinant in the findings obtained. This work has been made possible thanks to the support of Real Sitio de Ventosilla, through the Center for Industrial Technological Development and the CDTI IDI-20210434 project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

To ensure solid results, we applied innovative methodologies such as:

• Tannin analysis: Using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS), we detailed the polyphenolic composition of our wines.
• Digestion simulation: We used a Dynamic Gastrointestinal Simulator (D-CGD) to replicate digestive system conditions and study the interaction of tannins with the gut microbiota.
• Bioactivity evaluation: We analyzed the effect of metabolites derived from our wines on cell cultures, assessing their impact on key biomarkers for cardiovascular health.

The results obtained reinforce our hypothesis: the metabolites derived from the digestion of tannins in our wines may contribute to the improvement of certain key factors in cardiovascular health. Among the most relevant findings, we identified:

• Improved vascular function: Increased nitric oxide (NO) production, promoting vasodilation and balance in endothelin release.
• Cholesterol regulation: Greater expression of the LDL receptor (LDLr), facilitating the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood.
• Glycemic control: Reduction in AKT gene expression, suggesting lower insulin resistance and better blood glucose regulation.

These discoveries reaffirm our commitment to research and innovation in oenology. At Bodegas Pradorey, we not only produce high-quality wines, but we also strive to understand how they can contribute to the well-being of those who enjoy them.

WHAT DO THESE RESULTS MEAN?

This study provides new evidence on the biological mechanisms supporting the relationship between moderate red wine consumption and cardiovascular health. The study’s findings reinforce the idea that red wine tannins, after being metabolized by the gut microbiota, may play an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

However, it is important to remember that these benefits should be considered within the context of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

At Bodegas Pradorey, we remain committed to innovation and research to better understand the effects of wine on health. This study allows us to further appreciate the richness of our wines and their positive impact.

The next time you enjoy a glass of Pradorey, you will not only be tasting an exceptional wine but also toasting to your health.

Cheers! 🍷

You can read the full study here:

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/fo/d4fo03774j

Food & Function is a prestigious scientific journal dedicated to research on the relationship between food and health. Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, it has established itself as a reference in the study of food chemistry, biochemistry, and physiological effects. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures the quality and relevance of the published studies, providing valuable information for the scientific community and specialists in nutrition and health.