The surprising health benefits of mulled wine! (2024)

FAQs

The surprising health benefits of mulled wine!? ›

It contains high levels of polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that may assist in lowering inflammation in the body. The red wine base in mulled wine brings its own set of health benefits.

It contains high levels of polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that may assist in lowering inflammation in the body. The red wine base in mulled wine brings its own set of health benefits.

It was first popular along the Romans, who would drink hot spiced wine in the winter. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe, so did its partiality for hot red wine. People added different herbs and spices for sweetness, to make bad quality wine taste better, and because they believed in their health benefits.

Mulled wine contains many gutfriendly ingredients. 'Cinnamon is good for gastrointestinal problems, nutmeg helps soothe indigestion and star anise contains anethole – a compound that helps to relieve tummy spasms and wind,' says Dr Lee. Just don't overindulge, as this may bring on the festive flatulence.

Mulled wine is essentially red wine simmered with various cozy spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise that give it a delicious, spiced flavor. You can make it with brandy or another dark liquor for an extra kick!

Although mulled wine has a lower alcohol content, when over-consumed, the natural and added sugars in mulled wine can spike your blood sugar levels rapidly, which can also cause headaches the next day. This is due to hyperglycemia, or reactive hypoglycemia, an over or under-compensation of glucose in your bloodstream.

Experts do not recommend using alcohol as a sleep aid.

This drink is consumed enormously in Scandinavian countries, particularly in Sweden and Denmark, where it is called Glögg and Gløgg respectively (terms meaning "mulled wine" in each language). In Germany, as in most Germanic countries, it is mainly consumed under the name Glühwein.

No, mulled wine is warmed, not boiled. Very little alcohol will cook off.

But what makes mulled wine so distinctive? One of the major players in its flavour is cinnamon whose main protagonist is the compound imaginatively named, cinnamaldehyde. Additionally, clove is key to the mulled wine flavour and its main influencer is the compound eugenol.

What's the healthiest alcohol to drink? ›

Mulled wine, also known as spiced wine, is an alcoholic drink usually made with red wine, along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins, served hot or warm. It is a traditional drink during winter, especially around Christmas.

However, wine is not without its drawbacks. If you thought you could avoid a larger gut by avoiding beer, you may be surprised to see your midsection growing anyway! What is this phenomenon? It turns out that “wine belly” is a thing, and too much wine can lead to extra fat around the belly—just like with beer.

The best red wines for mulled wines taste bright and fresh, such as Grenache, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, fruit-forward Pinot Noir. Inexpensive Bordeaux is another great choice for mulled wine; in fact, claret was a traditional choice for British mulled wine in William Shakespeare's day.

The beauty of mulled wine is that it's a drink that you can enjoy on its own. Whether you're sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book, playing games with your family, or watching TV, mulled wine is a warming drink that is brilliant on its own without the need to serve snacks or a meal.

“The cinnamon in mulled wine has been shown to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, reducing swelling and restoring normal tissue function. “This may help conditions like arthritis. The antioxidants in red wine and in cloves can also help reduce inflammation.

Does the alcohol cook out when making mulled wine? In short, yes, some of the alcohol burns off when boiling mulled wine, but you should only be gently bringing up to the boil and simmering for around 15-30 minutes which isn't enough time to completely remove all alcohol traces.

But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture did a study in 2007 that nailed down the numbers with the magic of the scientific method.

The beauty of mulled wine is that it's a drink that you can enjoy on its own. Whether you're sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book, playing games with your family, or watching TV, mulled wine is a warming drink that is brilliant on its own without the need to serve snacks or a meal.