Wines and SpiritsRed or White - Which is Better for Your Health?
In my quest to learn more about wine, I always wondered what was better ̣€“ red or white wine, not only from a health point of view, but also in regards to etiquette as well.
Which is better for your heath?
Research has shown that wine in moderation can reduce mortality in the areas of cardiovascular disease (up to 50%) and cancer (up to 24%). But how?
Alcohol
Alcohol consumed in moderation can reduce bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels, and can prevent blood clotting.
Antioxidants
Wine contains antioxidants which can reduce the ability of bad cholesterol being deposited into the artery wall ̣€“ thus reducing heart disease. These antioximdants also reduce the damage caused by toxins in the body (free radicals) which is linked to degenerative diseases such as cancer, alzheimers and parkinsons.
When grapes are converted to wine, it increases the antioxidant levels as well as producing alcohol ̣€“ thus containing far more antioxidants than taking things like concentrated grape extract.
Research shows that red wine contains more antioxidants than white wine ̣€“ but the amount does vary depending of things like the grape type, region, climate, soil, and oaked wine (oaked wines have more antioxidants than unoaked wines).
Research also shows that even though red wine may contain more antioxidants, there are different types of antioxidant ̣€moleculeṣ€™ and the antioxidants found in white wine actually has increased beneficial effects on the health than those found in red.
So in summary, even though red wine contains more antioxidants, white winẹ€™s antioxidants are better for the health ̣€“ thus research states that both red and white wines are comparable in regards to health benefits.
French Paradox
The saying "French paradox" was derived by research observing that the French have less heart disease than other parts of the world, despite having a diet high in saturated fats. It is believed that the reason for this was the French"s high consumption of red wine. Interesting!
Definition of a good wine
The definition of a good wine is one that you enjoy. Do not let others dictate taste to you!
(Charles Kandutsch, 2003)
Enjoy