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A recentGalluppoll reveals that 60% of U.S. adults drink alcohol, and those who do consume an average of 3.6 alcoholic drinks per week. While beer is the most commonly consumed (39%), wine comes in at a close second (31%). So what is it about wine that has us uncorking, sniffing, swirling and sipping? Perhaps it’s the ritual. There’s something mesmerizing about the preparation and aeration of wine before you even take a sip. Maybe it’s the camaraderie—wine tastings, wine parties and wine clubs are evidence that people who like wine enjoy the company of others who like wine. Or maybe it’s because it pairs well with a meal or certain type of food. It could be that you’ve heard wine is good for you, as well.
Whatever the reason, we’re buying it and drinking it. But are there any health implications? Is wine healthy? We dug a little deeper and spoke with two registered dietitians to find out a little more about this tasty beverage. Here’s what they had to say about the health benefits of wine.
A Quick Briefing on Wine
For many of us, drinking wine doesn’t go much deeper than picking out a bottle at the store and consuming it. But winemaking is a nuanced labor of love dependent upon terroir, says Thomas Vogele, owner/winemaker ofLuke Columbia Valley Wines, with location, climate and topography playing a huge role: “Soil, elevation, position to the sun all play a role in how successful an area may be in cultivating and harvesting consistently mature and quality wine grapes.” He explains that table grapes and wine grapes can both be used to create wine, but wine grapes tend to be sweeter, smaller, thicker-skinned and more concentrated in flavor than table grapes. Table grapes lack the sugar, acidity and skin that are valued among winemakers.
Grapes are harvested on average at about 22-25 Brix (a standard measure of sugar content commonly used in the wine industry). From there they are crushed and stored for fermentation. During fermentation, sulfur dioxide is often added. Vogele explains that sulfites help stabilize the wine, preventing oxidation and keeping it free of unwanted bacteria or undesirable yeasts. Sometimes sugars, acids and tannins are added, he notes, to correct the flavor and body of wine. Finally, egg or milk products are sometimes added to clarify wines before bottling. But, Vogele says, “While there are many ways to “manipulate” winemaking, whether it’s in the vineyard or back in the winery, the majority of us strive to do as little as possible with the grapes we are blessed with working with.”
Wine Nutrition
Here is the nutritional information for 1 glass (5 fluid ounces) of wine:
Red wine(like a merlot)
White wine(like a chardonnay)
Rosé
Recommendations
Health practitioners agree that all types of alcohol should be consumed in moderation. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, moderation equates to one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men. One drink of wine is considered 5 fluid ounces. The2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committeesuggests that all adults, both men and women, limit their intake to no more than one drink a day. And if you don’t drink alcohol, don’t start. But why the need for moderation? According to theDietary Guidelines, it’s because of the health risk involved. Their latest report indicates that there is new evidence that overconsumption of alcohol can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers.
Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist, Ginger Hultin, M.S., RDN, owner of ChampagneNutrition and author ofAnti-Inflammatory Diet Meal PrepandHow to Eat to Beat Disease Cookbook, advises that anyone under legal drinking age, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people with substance use disorder should not drink alcohol. And since there are many medications that are contraindicated with alcohol consumption, Hultin recommends that you to speak with your doctor and pharmacist about any potential interactions.
Wine Benefits
Is wine a healthy beverage? Let’s just say, not exactly. According to Hultin, “Wine isn’t innately ‘nutritional’ as it’s not a rich source of macronutrients or micronutrients and has some proven negative effects on the body. However, it does contain bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, and there are some proven health benefits.” Let’s explore a few here.
1. Heart Health
2. Alzheimer’s Disease
Nonalcoholic Wine
Read More:The 11 Best Nonalcoholic Wines, According to a Sommelier
What Are the Healthiest Wines?
Weighing a few factors, from the sugar content, the ABV and to the amount of antioxidants per serving there are a some wines that out-rank others.
Lower-sugar wines often mean fewer calories per serving and with it, fewer blood sugar spikes. If you’re looking for a tasty glass of wine that’s not too sweet, opt for a chardonnay, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon or extra brut Champagne or prosecco.
Lower-alcohol wines or spritzers allow you to enjoy a glass or two without the nagging next-day hangover—or the negative health consequences.Here are our favorite low-alcohol drinks.
Opting for a red over a white or rose means you’ll get a little extraresveratrol(a type of antioxidant) per glass. (Not that you should be relying on vino for your anti-oxidant intake.)
The Bottom Line
So, is wine healthy? While research points to some health benefits, it’s wise to limit your intake. Hultin and Moon agree that quantity matters. “There are many proven negative outcomes related to high consumption, but at lower intakes there’s some compelling research about potential benefits,” says Hultin. But, she’s quick to note that while there seem to be some health benefits to drinking wine, you can gain similar benefits through changes in your dietary pattern, sleep habits and exercise. The bottom line: Enjoying wine in moderation is key.
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