Since the end of the 17th century, champagne has been considered as a beverage that cures all ills. In the 19th century, it was even renamed "Clos de jouvence" and was prescribed as a remedy for convalescents and young mothers. Discover in this article the many unexpected benefits of champagne...
Presentation of the champagne
The champagne is a sparkling wine from the Champagne region, a region located in northeastern France. The terminology "champagne" is reserved for products that respect extremely precise specifications that took several centuries to establish. The champagne is therefore protected and benefits from the AOC approval which guarantees the respect of the tradition in all the stages of the manufacturing process.
After the harvest, the grapes are manually pressed and then put in barrels for a first alcoholic fermentation of 15 days at 18-20°C. Then comes the stage of clarification, blending (the vigneron adds a mixture of non-sparkling wines from his production in order to "personalize" his vintage), bottling with the addition of sugar and yeast before a new fermentation of 15 months for the brut and 36 months for a Millésime. The bottle is then turned from right to left and placed upside down to facilitate the accumulation of organic deposits. These are eliminated during the disgorging process when the neck of the bottle is immersed in a liquid at -25°C. Finally, the cork, the cap, the wirehood, the label and finally the collar are applied to the bottle.
Champagne is thus characterized by a double fermentation of 3 grape varieties (2 black and 1 white): Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay.
Ethanol in champagne
The champagne enclosing ethanol or ethyl alcohol is considered toxic in high doses. It comes from the natural fermentation of the sugars present in the grapes and is responsible for that characteristic drunken feeling. To find out the concentration of ethanol in a wine or champagne, simply read the percentage listed on the label.
In small doses, this substance is euphoric, analgesic, promotes muscle relaxation and temporarily calms anxiety.
Champagne against aging
The champagne also contains very many polyphenols (440 in total) which are natural antioxidants of plant origin. Among them, we find the resveratrol which protects you from free radicals. Champagne thus limits the effects of cellular aging.
In short, champagne protects the blood vessels, the heart, the brain and the skin.
The resveratrol in champagne to protect your heart
Like wine, but in smaller quantities, champagne contains resveratrol which, as mentioned above, is a powerful antioxidant of natural origin. One of its main properties is cardiovascular protection. In vitro tests have shown that this molecule promotes the production of nitric oxide (NO), which is involved in vasodilation. In addition, other animal studies have suggested that high-dose oral resveratrol may reduce the risk of thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
Champagne, an unsuspected anti-inflammatory
Its richness in antioxidants makes it a natural anti-inflammatory.
Inserm researchers from Norbert Latruffe's Dijon unit in collaboration with an American team have shown that resveratrol plays "an important role in inflammation by modulating the expression of two microRNAs: miR-663 and miR-155 in a human monocyte cell line. This regulation leads to a series of chain reactions that result in the control of the expression of inflammatory genes involved in the production of prostaglandins or inflammatory responses to LPS (bacterial lipopolysaccharide). " (source INSERM Resveratrol, a polyphenol with beneficial properties)
Champagne an anti-cancer ?
The presence of resveratrol in this elixir of youth is of great interest to researchers. Indeed, epidemiological studies suggest that 25% of cancers are induced by an inflammatory process, particularly in cases of leukemia, breast and lung cancer.
In addition, the scientific journal Biochemical Pharmacology published the results of a study conducted by the same team of Norbert Latruffe, professor of biochemistry at the University of Burgundy, on tumor cells of human colorectal origin. Resveratrol is therefore involved in the modulation of the expression of a known oncogenic agent: TGF beta.
This discovery is encouraging, especially for the accompaniment of cancer treatments, whose effects it could potentiate.
The last word
Its exquisite bubbles carry you away in a whirlwind of lightness and festivity. However, like any alcoholic beverage, the virtues of champagne are only truly beneficial when consumed in moderation!
To your health!