6 Benefits of Merlot

Merlot is a popular type of red wine, but did you know that it could also provide important health benefits?

Merlot takes its name from the dark blue colored grapes that make it. It lacks the sweetness of a lot of wines, and it is amongst the driest red wines. It is often blended with other varieties in combination or blended wines, and the Merlot grapes are among the most widely cultivated in the world.

The wine made from these grapes tends to be a dark red, although white merlot also exists, and is made using a different production process. Merlot is quite a strong wine, having an alcohol content that ranges from 13.5-15% ABV.

Merlot is made across the globe, and is produced in France, Italy, the U.S., South America, Canada, Spain, Australia and Mexico, among others.

Benefits of Merlot

There are several health benefits to be had from drinking Merlot, and these include:

1. Preventing inflammation

2. Lowering the risk of chronic diseases

3. Boosting gut health

4. Protecting against degenerative disease

5. Reducing bad LDL cholesterol levels

6. Helps to prevent constipation, cramps, and bloating

An easy way to add Merlot to your diet is to finish the day with a glass of it. Some people also use this wine to cook with, but this means that a lot of the active ingredients and health benefits will be destroyed in the cooking process.

Nutritional Values

Merlot contains around 120 calories for a five-ounce serving, and it contains low levels of sodium, protein and carbohydrates. It also has moderate amounts of iron, potassium vitamin B6, and magnesium.

It also contains reservatrol and other antioxidants that are commonly found in red wine.

Cautions

As Merlot is an alcoholic drink, there can be side effects if you drink too much of it – the most obvious being a hangover!

Merlot tastes great, so it’s easy to reach for another glass. However, if you drink enough red wine to get a hangover, you’re undoing all the health benefits that it gave you in the first place. You’ll be nauseous, fatigued, headachy and dehydrated, so keep an eye on how much you’re consuming.

Red wine has also been associated with some allergic reactions with people who are sensitive to reservatrol and other ingredients.

As with all alcohol, drink it in moderation, and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.