Drinking alcohol in excess is one of the most common unhealthy habits among Americans today. However, there have been numerous studies to investigate whether there is some good that might come from sipping your favorite adult beverage at the end of the day. Red wine, in particular, has yielded some promising results when consumed in moderation.
Here’s a look at the potential health benefits of wine and what you can do to make your wine-drinking habit a bit healthier.
What’s Healthy About Wine?
The main ingredient in wine that has been studied for health benefits is resveratrol. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound that comes from the skin of grapes. This compound, resveratrol, has been linked to promoting heart health and blood flow. However, more research is needed to provide conclusive evidence. There are also antioxidants in red wine that may help a person’s body be more resilient.
What About White Wine?
Unfortunately for white wine lovers, the same benefits that are present in red wine are not as profound in white wine. This is because white wine contains less resveratrol due to the fact that red wine is fermented with grape skins for a longer period of time.
The Importance of Moderation
The potential benefits of red wine should not be enough to inspire you to start drinking wine if don’t already do so. This is especially true if you have a family history of addiction. However, if you are going to drink, red wine in moderation may be a better option than other options, such as hard liquor or beer.
Alternatively, you can also get the benefits of resveratrol and antioxidants by simply eating grapes or taking grape seed extract in capsule form. Whole berries and grapes are better sources of these nutrients than wine because you may have to drink an unhealthy amount of wine to get the same effects.
Natural and Organic Wine Options
If you are interested in wine and want to be as healthy as possible while drinking it, you might consider buying natural and organic wines instead of standard varieties. Wines that are certified as “organic” indicate that the grapes were grown without the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or fungicides. The term “natural” is not regulated by the U.S. government so it often gets used with little or no true meaning behind it.
Therefore, choosing wines marked as “100% certified organic” on the label is your best bet for keeping chemicals out of your wine. Meanwhile, biodynamic wine is produced with growing principles that value sustainability and a holistic approach. Choosing biodynamic wine is one way to be eco-friendlier with your purchase, especially if the wine was made from local grapes and made in your area to reduce transportation emissions.
It’s always interesting to read new studies that come out about wine, since there are still a lot of questions and uncertainties about this iconic beverage that’s loved all over the world. Yet certain people should avoid wine and all alcohol, regardless of the potential benefits, because of medications they are taking or certain medical conditions. Talk with your healthcare provider about how much you drink and the potential risks and benefits of having a glass of red wine on a regular basis.