It has long been known that red wine, due to its antioxidant composition, has many health benefits. But what about thermally processed wine? Does it lose its healing properties and how can various spices enrich this indispensable winter beverage?
Antioxidant properties
The key antioxidant component of red wine is the polyphenol resveratrol, and its positive effects on the cardiovascular system have been known for a long time. Boiling wine evaporates the alcohol, which is desirable, but what about resveratrol? Testing its thermal stability proved that it breaks down at 125°C. Therefore, if you want your mulled wine to retain its antioxidant properties, it is recommended not to boil it for too long.
Additional antioxidant properties are given to mulled wine by the indispensable spice – cinnamon. Due to its rich composition of polyphenols, cinnamon bark has numerous positive effects on our health. Its effect on the cardiovascular system has been specially researched, it has an anti-inflammatory effect and can affect the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels.
Maintaining immunity
The addition of various aromatic spices to mulled wine can contribute to maintaining immunity in the cold winter months.
In addition to its specific aroma, star anise has numerous positive effects on the immune system. It is a source of vitamin C, which is crucial in the fight against infections. The anethole found in its essential oil has a proven antiviral effect. Star anise is traditionally used as an herbal medicine to combat respiratory infections and relieve respiratory symptoms such as cough.
Clove owes its aroma and health effects to essential oil and its key component – eugenol. Eugenol is a phenolic compound with pronounced antimicrobial activity. It is known for its analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties and is often used in the treatment of toothache.
Cinnamon, already mentioned for its antioxidant properties, also contains antimicrobial properties and its beneficial effect on the immune system is recognized and still being further researched.
The addition of various citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons or limes will increase the amount of vitamin C in mulled wine and also contribute to preserving immunity.
A winning combination
Mulled wine is not only a festive beverage with a pleasant smell and taste. Red wine and various added spices contribute to our health and help preserve immunity in the cold winter days. Mulled wine gives us warmth and a sense of comfort, while the aromas of essential oils lead to calming down and relaxation. Because of all the above, moderate drinking of mulled wine can have a positive effect on our physical, as well as mental, health.
Literature
2. Dordević D, Dordevic S, Tremlová B. Antioxidant profile of mulled wine. Potravinarstvo Slovak Journal of Food Sciences. 2019, 13, 415-421.
3. Mudnić, I et al. Thermally treated wine retains vasodilatory activity in rat and guinea pig aorta. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 2011, 57(6), 707–711
4. Pagliari S et al. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) Bark Extract after In Vitro Digestion Simulation. Foods. 2023, 12(3):452.
5. Marchese A et al. Antimicrobial activity of eugenol and essential oils containing eugenol: A mechanistic viewpoint. Crit Rev Microbiol. 2017, 43(6), 668-689.
6. Patra JK et al. Star anise (Illicium verum): Chemical compounds, antiviral properties, and clinical relevance. Phytother Res. 2020, 34(6), 1248-1267.
