Go Organic...With Your Wine!
- 2/21/16
[vc_column css=".vc_custom_1501708138939{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text el_id="text-content"]Who doesn’t enjoy the luxurious taste of a glass of wine? Those sweet, little fermented grapes that make wine so desirable are known to not only appeal to your senses, but they are packed with tons of healthy antioxidants— and sulfites. Yes, unfortunately, your glass of wine contains added sulfites, which are a preservative used to impede bacterial growth and extend shelf life.
In 1986, the FDA banned sulfites as a preservative on fresh fruits and vegetables. Grapes, however, are exempt, because grape farmers have a tradition to follow, which includes spraying grapes heavily with sulfites. Although there is not enough scientific proof, sulfites have been named responsible for giving us that awful headache the morning after enjoying a few glasses of vino. If headaches aren’t bad enough, those who have allergies to sulfites can break out in hives or rashes, and asthmatics can have severe reactions that could—although rarely— lead to death. So, if you don’t feel comfortable chatting with friends over a glass of wine that contains added sulfites, you have the option to go organic.[vc_single_image image="6568" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Certified organic wines are guaranteed to be made with grapes that are grown without synthetic pesticides or chemicals. And, the wine is processed without any added sulfites or sulfur dioxide. During the wine-making process, yeast is used at the time of fermentation, without the addition of artificial flavors.Wine made this way retains the original flavor, and gives it a distinct taste, as compared to traditional wines. By choosing wines produced from organically-grown grapes, you support agricultural communities that refuse to pollute soil and water supplies.
Now remember— drinking wine in light-to-moderate consumption has some health benefits that include protecting your heart and extending your life. According to the latest research from the Institute Of Aging at the University of Florida in Gainesville, older adults who consume one to seven alcoholic beverages a week may live longer and have a reduced risk of cardiac events than those who do not drink.[vc_single_image image="6569" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]So why not make sure you get all the health benefits out of your glass of wine while ditching those nasty preservatives that are not meant to be in our body? When shopping for an organic wine, make sure that the label states that it is certified organic wine; some wines only contain certified organic grapes, which does not protect the buyer from the added sulfites. You can also make sure that the vineyard and winery are practicing “green” eco-friendly practices in the growing and the production of the grapes. Not only will you be doing our planet a favor, but you will be healthier.
You can find organic wines at several health food stores such as Whole Foods; you can also find many online. A couple popular brands are Frey’s and Bonterra. Impress your guests with a tasty bottle of organic chardonnay, paired with alovely brie cheese platter with some baked crackers or make a fabulous light tomato sauce pasta with a nice bottle of organic zinfandel. Enjoy, knowing that you made another healthy decision and you may not have to deal with that annoying headache in the morning.
In 1986, the FDA banned sulfites as a preservative on fresh fruits and vegetables. Grapes, however, are exempt, because grape farmers have a tradition to follow, which includes spraying grapes heavily with sulfites. Although there is not enough scientific proof, sulfites have been named responsible for giving us that awful headache the morning after enjoying a few glasses of vino. If headaches aren’t bad enough, those who have allergies to sulfites can break out in hives or rashes, and asthmatics can have severe reactions that could—although rarely— lead to death. So, if you don’t feel comfortable chatting with friends over a glass of wine that contains added sulfites, you have the option to go organic.[vc_single_image image="6568" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]Certified organic wines are guaranteed to be made with grapes that are grown without synthetic pesticides or chemicals. And, the wine is processed without any added sulfites or sulfur dioxide. During the wine-making process, yeast is used at the time of fermentation, without the addition of artificial flavors.Wine made this way retains the original flavor, and gives it a distinct taste, as compared to traditional wines. By choosing wines produced from organically-grown grapes, you support agricultural communities that refuse to pollute soil and water supplies.
Now remember— drinking wine in light-to-moderate consumption has some health benefits that include protecting your heart and extending your life. According to the latest research from the Institute Of Aging at the University of Florida in Gainesville, older adults who consume one to seven alcoholic beverages a week may live longer and have a reduced risk of cardiac events than those who do not drink.[vc_single_image image="6569" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_column_text]So why not make sure you get all the health benefits out of your glass of wine while ditching those nasty preservatives that are not meant to be in our body? When shopping for an organic wine, make sure that the label states that it is certified organic wine; some wines only contain certified organic grapes, which does not protect the buyer from the added sulfites. You can also make sure that the vineyard and winery are practicing “green” eco-friendly practices in the growing and the production of the grapes. Not only will you be doing our planet a favor, but you will be healthier.
You can find organic wines at several health food stores such as Whole Foods; you can also find many online. A couple popular brands are Frey’s and Bonterra. Impress your guests with a tasty bottle of organic chardonnay, paired with alovely brie cheese platter with some baked crackers or make a fabulous light tomato sauce pasta with a nice bottle of organic zinfandel. Enjoy, knowing that you made another healthy decision and you may not have to deal with that annoying headache in the morning.
