Champagne or "sparkling wine" is an alcoholic beverage with a significant content of carbon dioxide, leading to the formation of small gas bubbles in the liquid. They are the result of secondary fermentation of alcohol. There are two types of sparkling wines in terms of alcohol content and CO 2 pressure in the bottle: sparkling and sparkling .
The sparkling wines are the result of primary or secondary fermentation of fresh grapes , grape must or ready-made table wine . Sparkling is prepared from quality wines with not less than 9% alcohol content, and in their production the use of sucrose , wine distillate , natural aromas , flavorings and extracts from them is allowed .
As with other alcoholic beverages, champagne consumption dilates blood vessels and speeds up blood flow . But sparkling wines have a significant advantage over other alcohols - they reduce the rate at which nitric oxide is released from the blood. This means that a few glasses of champagne lowers blood pressure , and with it the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and especially heart attack .
Researchers from the University of Reading also found that, like red wine, champagne has a positive effect on endothelial function . The endothelium is a thin layer of epithelial cells that cover the inner surface of blood vessels at the boundary between the vessel walls and the blood and plasma flowing in their cavities. It serves mainly by suppressing inflammatory processes in the vessels, against the formation of clots and plaques and significant antioxidant activity . Its functions are determined by nitric oxide - the presence of this compound in the blood is very favorable for its function, and champagne prolongs its retention. Taking this drink not only protectscardiovascular system, but also improves its basic functions.
Apart from the heart, the drink is also useful for brain function . Researchers from the University of Reading recommend consuming 1-2 glasses of champagne a week, because the antioxidants contained protect the nervous system from free radical damage, and phenolic acid improves memory and reduces oxidative stress of the central nervous system.
Another type of antioxidant, polyphenols , are also present in sparkling wines, and although they are not in higher concentrations than red wine, they are richer in a special polyphenol that protects the myelin sheaths of nerve cells . Without protective and signaling functions of myelin, the nerve cells can not communicate properly and accurately their bioelectric impulses occurring disorders in neural activity as memory impairment and coordination , Alzheimer's and Parkinson's . This protective polyphenol is called tyrosol - an antioxidant available and in another healthy product - olive oil .
One glass of 120 ml of champagne contains 95 calories. Although they are lower calorie drinks than wines, the popular opinion about sparkling wines as a means to lose weight is a total myth. Not only is there a lack of justification for this claim, the fact that they are alcoholic beverages makes it ridiculous: alcohol, even in small amounts, lowers the body's ability to burn fat as a source of energy.
Drinking champagne with traditional orange slices or a little raspberry or blueberry further enhances the antioxidant effect of the drink and contributes to good health and mood, but only when consumed in moderation!