Red wine is prepared using black and red grapes in comparison to white wine which is prepared using only white grapes. Red wine contains more calories in comparison to white wine but there is no major difference in the nutritional value of red and white wine.
Red wine is often considered a healthier option in comparison to white wine because when red wine is fermented, the grape skin is included in the process in comparison to white wine. The skin of the grape is separated from the juice and fermented into white wine. Healthy antioxidants are present in grape skin that help to promote good health.
Red wine’s moderate consumption has been proven to have health benefits due to its high amounts of antioxidant levels. Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants that include resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins. These are responsible for the health benefits of red wine.
Resveratrol is an antioxidant which is abundantly present in grape skin. Presence of resveratrol in red wine helps to lower bad cholesterol levels, reduces the risk for blood clots and prevents damage of blood vessels. Proanthocyanidins reduce oxidative damage and prevent cancer and heart diseases.
However, the resveratrol content is low in red wine. Drinking small amounts i.e. 1-2 glasses of red wine reduces the risk of heart diseases and stroke as oxidation of LDL reduces by 50%. It is also linked to reducing the risk of cancer, dementia, depression, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance due to its antioxidant profile.
Red wine also has polyphenols which help to overcome the effects of premature ageing and keep toxins at bay. High levels of silicon content of red wine help to reduce the chances of osteoporosis and increase bone density.
Therefore in conclusion red wine is better than white wine when it comes to providing health benefits but wine is still alcohol and overconsumption of alcohol can lead to health issues so drink red wine in moderation.
Moderate consumption of red wine provides several health benefits but consuming too much of it may have negative health effects which include the dependency on alcohol, liver cirrhosis, increased risk of depression, weight gain and increased risk of diseases.
The recommended consumption intake is 1-1.5 glasses/day for women and 1-2 glasses/ day for men. Keeping 1-2 days alcohol-free in a week is also advised to make the most out of its benefits.
Please note that red wine is a healthier alternative to your regular alcohol beverage and does not mean that one should consume alcohol and its consumption is no way to improve one's health as there are many other effective ways apart from red wine that can easily contribute towards building your immunity and health. Although if you drink alcohol and are wanting a healthy option then red wine is the solution for you as an alternative.
