For centuries, wine has played a significant role in religious ceremonies and social gatherings. Although excessive alcohol consumption is widely known to have negative effects on health, there is growing interest in understanding the potential health benefits of moderate wine consumption.
But one question lingers in the minds of wine enthusiasts: what are the healthiest wines and why?
The potential health benefits of wine
Wine, particularly when consumed in moderation, can be included in a healthy lifestyle and has the potential to offer a number of health benefits. The antioxidants in wine can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to various chronic diseases.
In addition, some studies suggest that moderate wine consumption may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
When choosing the healthiest wine, it is important to consider the following;
Sugar content
One important factor to consider is the sugar content of the wine. Not all wines are created equal in terms of sugar content. Some wines may contain much higher levels of sugar than others, similar to our food consumption.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, be mindful of which wines you consume and in what quantity.
Antioxidant levels
When it comes to antioxidant levels, the fermentation process plays a significant role. Red wines undergo a process during fermentation where the skins of the grapes are left on. This extended contact with the skin allows for a greater absorption of antioxidants, resulting in higher levels in the final product.
On the other hand, white wines are made by removing the grape skins before fermentation, which limits the transfer of antioxidants from the skins to the wine.
Alcohol levels
The ABV, or the alcohol content by volume, does have an impact on the healthiness levels of different spirits and beverages. Generally, drinks with higher ABV levels tend to have a greater potential for negative health effects when consumed in excess, mainly because higher alcohol content can lead to increased intoxication, impaired judgment, and a higher risk of accidents and injuries.
Excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of ABV, can have detrimental effects on various aspects of health, including liver damage, increased risk of certain cancers, and addiction. For this reason, it’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption, which typically advises limiting intake to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
Most wines fall within the range of 12-14% alcohol by volume. Nowadays, there are even many options for low-alcohol or alcohol-free options.
Which wine is the healthiest?
Red vs white wine
While both types of wine have unique characteristics and flavors, red wine is considered by many experts to be the healthiest option.
Red wine, particularly Pinot Noir, is often considered the healthier choice due to its high antioxidant content and lower sugar content compared to white wine. Antioxidants, such as resveratrol, found in red wine have been linked to various health benefits, including heart health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
On the other hand, white wine, although still enjoyable, generally contains higher sugar content than red wine. This can contribute to higher calorie intake and potentially affect blood sugar levels.
If you prefer white wine but want to get your feet wet with red wines give an orange wine a try. Orange wines are made with white wine grapes but are produced using a similar technique as red wine, allowing the skins to remain during fermentation.
While not as well-known as red or white wines, orange wines offer a unique alternative for those looking to explore different flavors and textures.
Dry vs sweet wines
While the choice between dry and sweet wines ultimately comes down to personal preference, if you’re looking for a healthier option, dry wine, whether red or white, is the way to go.
The level of sweetness in wine is directly correlated to the amount of sugar it contains. Dry wines have minimal residual sugar, making them a healthier choice in terms of their sugar content. On the other hand, sweet wines have a higher sugar content, which can contribute to increased calorie intake and potentially impact blood sugar levels.
It’s important to note that the sugar content can vary depending on the specific type of wine within each category. However, on average, a 5 oz glass of dry wine contains approximately 3 mg of sugar, while a 5 oz glass of very sweet wine can contain upwards of 14 mg of sugar.
How much wine should you consume?
While the World Health Organization has recently stated that “no amount of alcohol is safe for your health,” there are other organizations that provide additional guidelines regarding alcohol consumption.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, moderate alcohol consumption for men is defined as up to two standard drinks per day, while for women, it is up to one standard drink per day.
To put it into perspective, one drink is considered to be roughly equivalent to a 5-ounce glass of wine with an alcohol content of around 12%. That equates to less than 3.5 shot glasses worth of wine in a single serving.
Be mindful of the size of your wine pour and the alcohol content so that you stay within the recommended limits.
