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For years, many have wondered why a small glass of red wine can trigger headaches, even when other alcoholic drinks don't cause the same reaction. Recent research from the University of California, Davis, may have finally shed light on this enigmatic issue, offering new insights into the world of wine and health.
The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, points to quercetin, a flavanol found in red wines, as the potential cause.
Andrew Waterhouse, a wine chemist and professor emeritus with the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, explains, “When it gets in your bloodstream, your body converts it to a different form called quercetin glucuronide, which blocks the metabolism of alcohol.”
This interference can lead to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, a known toxin, irritant, and inflammatory substance, as explained by lead author Apramita Devi from the same department.
“People who are susceptible, particularly those with preexisting migraine or primary headache conditions, may develop headaches when they consume wine with modest amounts of quercetin,” states co-author Morris Levin, professor of neurology and director of the Headache Center at the University of California, San Francisco. This finding is crucial for understanding who might be more prone to these headaches.
Quercetin levels in grapes are influenced by sunlight exposure. “If you grow grapes with the clusters exposed, such as in the Napa Valley for their cabernets, you get much higher levels of quercetin,” notes Waterhouse. This suggests that wines from sunnier regions may be more likely to trigger headaches.
While quercetin in red wine has been linked to headaches, it's important to recognise its broader presence and benefits. This flavanol is not exclusive to red wine; it's found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other products, known for its beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, quercetin doesn't seem to cause headaches when consumed in these other forms.
Quercetin can be found in everyday dietary items, many of which are staple components of a healthy diet. Some of the richest sources include:
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are all excellent sources of quercetin.
Apples: A classic source, the old adage "an apple a day" carries more weight now with its quercetin content.
Tea: Both black and green teas are rich in quercetin.
Olive Oil: A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is another good source.
Grapes: Apart from wine, grapes themselves are rich in quercetin.
Dark Berries: Blueberries and blackberries, known for their high antioxidant content, are also rich in quercetin.
The next phase of this research will involve a small clinical trial, funded by the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, to compare the effects of red wines with varying levels of quercetin. “There are still many unknowns about red wine headaches,” the researchers admit. They aim to understand why some people are more susceptible than others and whether certain individuals’ enzymes are more easily inhibited by quercetin.
While the mystery of red wine headaches isn’t fully solved, this groundbreaking research brings us closer to understanding and potentially preventing them. It's a step forward in the intricate dance between our favourite beverages and our well-being.
1. What causes headaches after drinking red wine?
The flavanol quercetin in red wine may interfere with alcohol metabolism, leading to headaches in susceptible individuals.
2. Are all red wines likely to cause headaches?
Wines with higher quercetin levels, often from sunnier vineyards, are more likely to cause headaches.
3. What research is being done on red wine headaches?
A clinical trial will compare red wines with different quercetin levels to further investigate this phenomenon.
4. Can I avoid red wine headaches?
Choosing wines from regions with less sunlight exposure or lower quercetin levels might help.
5. Can I avoid red wine headaches?
Choosing wines from regions with less sunlight exposure or lower quercetin levels might help.
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
Reference:
[1] Scientific Reports journal study on red wine headaches: BMJ 2023;383:p2786
[2] University of California, Davis research findings "Why Do Some People Get Headaches From Drinking Red Wine?"