In recent years, non-alcoholic wines have been gaining ground - especially among older people who still want to enjoy the rich flavours and potential health benefits of traditional wine without the risks associated with alcohol.
Written by Jenny Rostain, Free Spirit
Rising popularity of non-alcoholic wine among older people
As we age, our bodies often become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. Many ageing people are advised to reduce or stop drinking alcohol because of concerns such as drug interactions, cognitive health and increased risk of falls. Today, a growing proportion of older people prefer non-alcoholic alternatives to maintain a healthier lifestyle, while still enjoying a glass of wine or two - non-alcoholic, for example at meals or social gatherings. This change is not only about reducing alcohol consumption, but also about adopting new lifestyle habits that can support overall well-being.
A tasting event for non-alcoholic drink lovers, and especially now for pensioners, will be held in central Helsinki every Friday from 11am to 3pm, until the end of April. The first non-alcoholic drinks shop in the Nordic countries will introduce you to the health benefits of non-alcoholic wines and the best quality non-alcoholic wine options guided by an expert.
Pensioners receive a -10% discount on purchases made during the tasting.
The health benefits of antioxidants
Contrary to what you might think, research shows that removing alcohol from wine does not remove its health benefits, such as antioxidants. Removing alcohol from wine actually makes it healthier, as the harmful effects of alcohol are gone. The low sugar content of a good quality non-alcoholic wine and its cholesterol-lowering properties, among others, are significant health benefits.
One of the most appealing characteristics of wine - whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic - is its high content of antioxidants, especially polyphenols such as resveratrol. These compounds have been linked to a number of potential health benefits:
- Cardiovascular health: studies show that wine's antioxidants can improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that regular, moderate consumption of polyphenol-rich drinks may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 20-30% in older people.
- Cognitive function: oxidative stress is a well-known contributor to age-related cognitive decline. Antioxidants help combat this stress. Recent studies have linked the intake of these compounds to improved cognitive performance. So, non-alcoholic wine may be good for brain health.
- Reduced inflammation: chronic inflammation is associated with many degenerative diseases. The polyphenols in non-alcoholic wine can help regulate the body's inflammatory responses, with potential benefits in managing conditions such as osteoarthritis and other age-related ailments.
Interestingly, laboratory studies show that many non-alcoholic wines retain up to 80% of the beneficial polyphenols present in traditional wines. This retention means that we can enjoy the benefits of wine's antioxidants without the harms of alcohol at almost the same level as before. And with alcohol no longer present, there is no need to fear its cancer or liver effects.
