Fortified wines are grouped together due to their high alcohol levels, which are achieved by adding wine spirits at some point during production. These wines are typically served with aperitifs or desserts, as they have a strong flavor. Port, Sherry, Madeira, Muscatel, and Marsala are among the most common types of fortified wines. The main source of color and health benefits in young red wines is monomeric anthocyanins, which originate from the grapes. However, the degradation of anthocyanins is affected by various factors, such as temperature, pH, sugar levels, oxygen, and ethanol content. The most abundant compounds in fortified wines do not necessarily determine their antioxidant activity, which is also influenced by the aging process. Therefore, aging conditions are crucial for determining the anthocyanin content and antioxidant properties of fortified wines (Lorenzo et al., 2020).
A year ago, I sought out a naturopathic group to help me cure an ailment. My condition was more profitable to the mainstream medical networks to deem it chronic rather than look for a way to cure me. One of the first things this naturopathic group prescribed for me was an organic juice rich in anthocyanins. Tart but tasty, I was told to take a tablespoon a day. This prompted me to do a little research on the benefits of anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are a set of plant-based pigments that appear in deep shades of red, purple, and blue. They are classified as flavonoids, a group of plant-based chemicals that are present in various parts of plants such as fruits, seeds, shoots, flowers, and leaves (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). They are found in Red, purple, blue, or black-colored fruits, vegetables, and grains usually contain high levels of anthocyanins. Among these, berries are known to have the highest levels of anthocyanins, with black elderberries and aronia berries (chokeberries) being the most abundant sources. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are also excellent sources of anthocyanins (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). These antioxidant flavonoids are found in grape juice and wine. Anthocyanins are said to benefit high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (cholesterol), improve brain function, and slow cancer growth (Lin et al., 2016).
Always drink responsibly and next time you have a chance to enjoy some fortified wine think about all the health benefits that you are consuming.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 2). Got anthocyanins? Add more purple to your plate! https://health.clevelandclinic.org/anthocyanins/
Lin, B.-W., Gong, C.-C., Song, H.-F., & Cui, Y.-Y. (2016). Effects of anthocyanins on the prevention and treatment of cancer. British Journal of Pharmacology, 174(11), 1226–1243. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13627
Lorenzo, M., Barba, F., & Paulo Munekata. (2020). Anthocyanins: antioxidant properties, sources, and health benefits. Nova Science Publishers.
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