Researchers say they may have discovered why some people get headaches after just a small glass of red wine, an effect they don't get with any other type of alcohol.
The University of California team says this is because of a compound in red grapes that can disrupt the way the body absorbs alcohol. This ingredient is an antioxidant known as quercetin. Red grapes produce more quercetin when exposed to the sun.
"Inexpensive grape varieties are grown on vines with large canopies and lots of leaves, so they don't get as much sun," Professor Andrew Waterhouse told BBC News. "While high-quality grapes are smaller crops with fewer leaves and can be better consumed," he continues.
Usually, cheap wines cause the biggest headache, so understanding some of the ingredients that are intentionally added to increase the nutritional value in the various products used in the production of red wines can be helpful.
Some researchers have shown that the cause may be the preservatives used to extend the shelf life and keep the wine fresh. Another possible culprit is histamine (chemical compound), an element more common in red wine than white. Histamine can dilate blood vessels in the body, which can cause headaches.
Source: BBC
