Wine lovers tend to have a preference for either red or white wines, and their preferences are often based on taste. However, if you want to combine pleasure with health benefits, you should take the nutritional values of both wine types into consideration. So, should you choose red or white wines?
White wines are mainly made of white grapes only, and have no grape skin or seeds. And while the majority of white wines have a light and fruity taste, there are certain white wines varieties that offer a richer taste. Common types of white wines include: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Champagne, Viognier and Chenin Blanc.
Red wines are made of dark red and black grapes, and what differs them from white wines is that whole grapes, including the skin and seeds are used in the production process. The skin of grapes gives colour and flavour to red wines and this is the main reason why these wines have a richer taste. In many wine-making countries like France, Italy, USA and Australia, red wines are the preferred type of wine. The most popular red wines are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Malbec and Sangiovese.
Although both red and white wines have grapes as the main ingredient, they do not provide the same health benefits. Of course once grapes go through the fermentation process, they lose some of their original nutritional benefits. However, they gain new health benefits.
One of the major benefit of white wines is their ability to improve the health of the heart and prevent various heart-related diseases. White wines are also known to be effective in promoting lung health. However, when the two wine types are compared, the red wines offer the most of health benefits. Because in the making of red wines, whole grapes are used (skin and seeds), red wines are loaded with powerful antioxidant called resveratrol. Resveratrols are known to protect blood vessels as well as to eliminate blood clots.
Another powerful antioxidant present in red wines is polyphenol. Polyphenols are excellent agents able to perform a variety of health-related tasks, such as:
- lower bad cholesterol level and blood pressure,
- improve the immune system,
- prevent cancer, and
- help fight against harmful bacterias.
Also, red wines are super-rich with flavonoids, and these antioxidants are considered to have the power to lower the risks of cancer.
Overall, red wines make a healthier option than white wines. But, some high quality white wines produced in certain regions, can provide more health benefits than some red wines. And regardless if it is red or white wine, one thing is for sure – both wines offer health benefits and above all, can help overcome stress. But it is important to mention that even though wines are beneficial to your heath, they should not be consumed in excess. A glass a day for a woman and two glass a day for a man is the recommended dosage.