Is wine good for you? If it is, which wine is healthiest? The truth is, we’ve all asked ourselves these questions while pouring ourselves another glass of Pinot Noir, whether we were consciously thinking about it or not. As it turns out, there are some surprising health benefits of wine.
According to some studies, drinking wine in moderation has been shown to have health benefits, including heart health and increased lifespan. Although one of the health benefits of red wine includes a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases, the subject of wine’s health benefits has long been up for debate.
However, moderation is the key here. When consumed within reasonable limits, wine provides health benefits, but drinking excessively can be harmful.
Before discussing its amazing health benefits, let’s talk about the two common types of healthy wines: red and white.
Difference Between Red and White Wine
While there are hundreds of grape varieties and several wine-making techniques that produce a lot of wine kinds, all are classified into five main types–red, white, rose’, sparkling, and dessert. Of these five, the first two (red and white) are the most common and consumed.
Red and white wines share some similarities as both are produced using grapes. But they also have significant distinctions. Aside from their colors and the food they are paired with, the fermentation process is where the two diverge significantly. The following are just some of the distinct differences between the two:
- Red wine gets its distinctive ruby color from including grape skins during the fermentation process. On the other hand, white wine grapes have their skins removed before being crushed into juice.
- Red wines are often aged in oak barrels, whereas white wines are typically stored in cast-iron containers. Oxygen introduced by these containers temper wine’s acidity. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it changes the wine’s texture and, by extension, how it tastes.
- Red and white wines have varied storage requirements. Their nutritional profiles, health benefits, and food pairing also differ.
Health Benefits of Wine
Now that you know the difference between the two most common types of wines, let’s quickly dive into their health benefits.
1. It combats inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory properties present in wine are one of its many benefits. Diet and exercise are both effective at lowering chronic inflammation, but new research suggests that the compound resveratrol in wine may also have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Typically, you can reduce inflammation with as little as one glass of wine (or approximately 1.4 ounces) daily.
2. It is high in antioxidants.
According to several studies, wines are high in antioxidants, which protect cells from free radicals and inflammation. While white wine has antioxidants, studies show that red wine is healthier due to the higher levels of polyphenols (antioxidants). It is also said that drinking 13.5 ounces of red wine every day has been shown to improve antioxidant levels, an excellent way to lessen the chance of developing health problems such as dementia and Parkinson’s.
3. It improves heart health.
Red wine consumption has been linked to improved cardiovascular health and cholesterol management. As previously mentioned, polyphenols can also maintain healthy and flexible blood arteries, thus avoiding the formation of clots. However, keep in mind that anything over moderate amounts is detrimental to the heart.
4. It regulates blood sugar levels.
Resveratrol, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound discovered in grape skin, can control glucose levels. For around three months, persons who took in roughly 250 milligrams (mg) of resveratrol daily showed considerably lower glucose levels than those who did not.
5. It reduces the risk of developing cancer.
Consuming red wine in moderation has been shown to lessen the risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. According to studies, resveratrol has been proven to inhibit the protein that stimulates cancer cells.
6. It helps maintain good eyesight.
Overgrowth of blood vessels, known as angiogenesis, is a leading cause of eyesight loss and can be prevented with the help of resveratrol, which is found in red wine.
Among adults aged 50 and up, the leading causes of blindness are diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Experts agree that one of the health benefits of wine is for people with eyesight issues due to both diabetic and non-diabetic reasons.
7. It facilitates weight control.
The exciting news is that healthy wines also aid in weight control. Resveratrol, which has the unique property of preventing weight gain, is commonly found in red wines. The chemical component piceatannol, which is abundant in resveratrol, helps the body burn fat. Piceatannol can also prevent the development of new, undeveloped fat cells by tightening the insulin receptors on your fat cells. Though drinking red wine may help you feel fuller faster, this is not proof that wine can help you shed pounds on its own.
8. It aids digestion and promotes better gut health.
Due to their antibacterial properties, red wines can soothe upset stomachs and even help with other digestive problems. In addition, drinking wine regularly has been shown to reduce the likelihood of contracting the stomach bug Helicobacter pylori.
9. It promotes longer life expectancy.
You’ll be happy to learn that moderate consumption of red wine may increase your lifespan compared to non-drinkers. When consumed in moderation, studies show that wine can improve metabolic health and promote the growth of genes associated with lifespan. Since wine has health benefits and has been shown to increase resistance to disease, it reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions and extends one’s life span.
10. It helps increase bone mass.
Although bone fragility is a natural part of aging, it can be mitigated by a healthy diet and way of life. Furthermore, a diet that includes some wine can benefit bone health when consumed in moderation. This is because wine contains silicon, a mineral that significantly aids in forming strong bones and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Conclusion
To sum it up, it has been proven that either white wine or red wine has its fair share of health benefits. They may differ in taste, color, and production method, but both share the same unparalleled health benefits of wine compared to other alcoholic drinks. However, as with other things we consume, moderation is the key to avoiding negative consequences.
Enjoy the health benefits of wine with Village Warehouse Wines and Spirits.
Many are only aware of the health benefits of wine. However, wines, whether red or white, give considerably more, as discussed above. So, if you want to stay healthy while enjoying life, head now to Vail liquor store Village Warehouse Wines and Spirits and choose from our wide selection of wine brands.
