Not Everyone Feels Fine After Red Wine, and a Flavanol May Be the Culprit
UC Davis scientists theorize that a flavanol found naturally in red wine can interfere with the metabolism of alcohol and cause a “red wine headache.” (Getty)
A red wine may pair nicely with the upcoming Thanksgiving meal. But for some people, drinking red wine even in small amounts causes a headache. Typically, a “red wine headache” can occur within 30 minutes to three hours after drinking as little as a small glass of wine.
The headache culprit: Quercetin, a flavanol
This flavanol is called quercetin, and it is naturally present in all kinds of fruits and vegetables, including grapes. It’s considered a healthy antioxidant and is even available in supplement form. But when metabolized with alcohol, it can be problematic.
“When it gets in your bloodstream, your body converts it to a different form called quercetin glucuronide,” said wine chemist and corresponding author Andrew Waterhouse, professor emeritus with the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology. “In that form, it blocks the metabolism of alcohol.”
SANGRIA RECIPE | easy authentic red sangria
FAQ
Why do I get headaches after drinking wine?
What wine is least likely to cause headaches?
How do you get rid of a sulfite headache?
How do you drink red wine without getting a headache?
Can drinking red wine cause a headache?
Among alcoholic beverages, wine has quite the reputation as a headache trigger, particularly red wine. That first twinge of a headache can occur within a sip or two, or it may show up several hours later. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels in your brain, which can cause a headache. Red wine, in particular, has long been known as a migraine trigger.
What wine goes with Sangria?
“Sangria” is Spanish for “blood,” referring to the drink’s traditional base of red wine. If you’re going classic, look for a Spanish red wine like Rioja or other Tempranillo-based wine. A bold and fruit-forward Spanish Garnacha can also work well. Here are some of our favorite red wines for sangria. That said, anything goes!
Is Sangria A wine?
Well, sangria isn’t a type of wine per say, but it is a delicious wine-based beverage that emphasizes wine’s delicious fruit-forward elements. There are some extra ingredients in the mix, including fresh fruit and a little extra booze, so in our books, sangria should be considered a cocktail. 2. What is in sangria?
Can Sangria be sweet?
It can be. Sangria is as sweet as you make it. As a general rule, it’s going to be fruity, so start with a dry red wine to keep that sugar content down. Pick fruits that lean more tart than sweet (like Granny Smith apples rather than white peaches), add more acidic juice like lemonade, or simply don’t add sugar to your mixture. 7.