Scientists found that wine has antibacterial properties (Picture: Getty)

Still suffering the lingering effects of your bank holiday weekend hangover?

Don’t worry – a new study has found that drinking wine could actually have some health benefits – and that’s both red and white.

Great news if you’re big on your vino.

Scientists have found that wine is actually a disinfectant for germs, including those that cause dental plaque and sore throats.


An old study in 1988 found that wine had antibacterial properties, and the latest research has concluded that the acidity and alcohol concentration in wine isn’t what’s responsible for this, as was previously believed.

Instead, it is thought to be due to a number of organic compounds found in both red and white wines.



The study, published in the journal of agricultural and food chemistry, found that the compounds found in wine kill 99.9% of dental bacteria and germs that cause sore throats – so if you’re coming down with a cold, a medicinal tipple could actually help ward it off.

‘Several studies suggest that moderate wine consumption has beneficial effects on human health,’ wrote the study authors.

‘The antioxidant and antiradical properties, particularly of red wine, attributed mainly to a high polyphenol content, appear to protect against the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer.

What are streptococcal infections? Streptococcal infections are any type of infection caused by the streptococcus (“strep”) group of bacteria. There are many different types of Streptococci bacteria, and infections vary in severity from mild throat infections to life-threatening infections of the blood or organs. Most streptococcal infections can be treated with antibiotics. Streptococci are divided into two key groups: alpha-haemolytic – made up of two groups, including Streptococcus pneumoniae

beta-haemolytic – made up of several groups, including Group A and Group B streptococci NHS

‘Our findings seem to indicate that wine can act as an effective antimicrobial agent against the tested pathogenic oral streptococci and might be active in caries and upper respiratory tract pathologies prevention.

‘In conclusion, both red and white wines were proved to exert in vitro antibacterial activity against several oral streptococci.’

So if you enjoy the odd glass of wine this is really good news. Indulging in a warming Malbec or crisp Sauvignon could mean less pesky colds and less trips to the dentist – it’s a win-win.

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