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Which Is Best for Your Health? Red or White Wine

It is simple to choose a wine for different occasions. Both red and white wines are good choices, and you can't go wrong with either.

Moderation is key to reaping the health benefits of wine. Numerous studies support this assertion. It doesn't matter if you are a fitness enthusiast or just curious about wine. Knowing which one is healthier will impact your decision to buy wines. Which is best for you, red wine or white wine?

 How Do You Make Wine ?

Knowing how wine is made before getting into the details.

Fermenting grape juice is the way wine is made. Grapes are crushed in a pressing machine that removes the skin, seeds, and stems from grapes and then stored in containers for fermentation. The natural sugars found in grape juice ferment into alcohol. However, winemakers still use yeast to control the process.

So, what's the difference between red and white wine production?

White wine is being made by pressing grapes before fermentation. On the contrary, red wine is made by pressing the grapes after fermentation. Red wine has more plant compounds such as tannins and resveratrol, which is why it's more concentrated in grape skin. These compounds are also found in white wine but in a much smaller amount.

Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon are the common types of grapes used to make red wine. On the other hand, the best grapes used to make white wines are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Verdicchio.

 Qualities of White Wine and Red Wine   

Most white wines have a dry, crisp, and fruity taste, while red wines have a richer and more bitter taste.

Research shows that white and red wines have similar nutritional profiles. They are almost equal in terms of nutrients. This means you will get the same nutrients whether you drink red or white wine.

So, which one should you choose when buying in your nearest wine shop? Red wine or white wine? White wine is lower in calories, but red wine has more vitamins and minerals due to its abundant plant compounds.

Health Benefits of Drinking Wine    

Numerous studies have shown the health benefits of wine moderation. According to an article by Village Warehouse Wine and Spirits, these health benefits are available regardless of whether you drink red or white wine.

 1. Heart Health Benefits   

Numerous studies have shown the health benefits of alcohol consumption concerning heart health. One 2001 study found that wine consumption is associated with a 25% to 40% reduction in your risk of developing heart disease.

One study published in 1995 found that those who drink wine in moderate to low amounts are less likely to suffer from stroke or heart disease.

 2. Cholesterol Level Improvement   

Moderate wine consumption can benefit people with high cholesterol, which is linked to diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. A study has shown that wine can help lower cholesterol levels, regardless if its red or white wine that you'll drink.

 3. Neuroprotective Properties   

Moderate wine consumption has another benefit; it reduces the chance of developing neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

 4. Additional Health Benefits   

A wine drinker can also enjoy a lower risk of certain diseases. One study entitled "Resveratrol - A Review of Preclinical Studies for Human Cancer Prevention" found that wine drinkers are less likely to develop lung cancer.

Also, a case-control study showed wine drinkers were less likely to develop hip and knee osteoarthritis. Contrary to this, the case-control study found that beer drinkers were likelier to suffer the said illnesses than those who drank wine.

Red wine contains high levels of resveratrol, so if you prefer red wine, you can reap these benefits. These are the health benefits that resveratrol has proven to have:

  • Joint Pain Relief- Joint friction increases when the cartilage becomes damaged. One study published in The International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that resveratrol protects cartilage from damage. The same results were found in a second study, "Effects of Resveratrol in Inflammatory Arthritis."

  • Insulin Sensitivity Boost - Resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity. It helps regulate blood glucose levels. One study published in the Journal of the Society for Biomedical Diabetes Research showed that it could prevent complications caused by diabetes.

 Ideal and Healthy Consumption of Wine 

The American Heart Association recommends that people limit their alcohol consumption to one to two drinks for men and one drink for women per week. One drink equals 12 oz. Beer, 4 oz. Wine, 1.5 oz. 80 proof spirits or 1 oz. 100 proof spirits. In everything that we do, moderation is key. So, drink responsibly.

This dentist who does quality oral surgery in Marlborough also adds that both red and white wines can be detrimental to your dental health if consumed too much. Remember that both are highly acidic beverages and can erode the enamels of your teeth, exposing them to cavity-producing bacteria.

 Key Takeaway 

Now that you're well aware of the essential information regarding red and white wine's differences, qualities, and health benefits. It would now be easy to gauge which one you'd prefer to pair with your favorite food or drink for leisure. It would now be much easier to buy at liquors shops near you because you know what to choose. Besides, wine preference is a personal choice; what matters most is to drink it in moderation.

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