Wine lovers rejoice! National Drink Wine Day 2017 has arrived, so now there’s even more reason to indulge in your favorite drink. Have you become more health conscious and are wondering which wine is better for you? Although there are many red wine benefits, white wine benefits should not be ignored. So, is red or white wine better for you? In order to answer this question, we have made a comparison of red wine vs white wine.
Red Wine vs White Wine
White wines are made from white grapes and the seeds and skin of the fruit are excluded in the wine-making process. White wine has a crisp, light, and fruity flavor. On the other hand, red wine is made from red or black grapes by fermenting the fruit along with their skins for a week or two. Red wines are richer in flavor compared to white wines. The skin of the grapes contain a naturally-occurring compound called tanin, which contributes to the color and flavor of red wine.
1. Calorie content
There isn’t much difference in the calorie content of red and white wines. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a three to five ounce glass of red wine contains 74 calories, whereas the same serving of white wine contains 70 calories.
2. Resveratrol content
Grapes contain resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, which is a key ingredient in red wine. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, this antioxidant inhibits cancer cell growth, including breast cancer cells. Red wines contain more resveratrol because the grapes used to make red wine are fermented longer along with their skins. It also protects you from atherosclerosis.
3. Rich in antioxidants
Red wine is rich in powerful antioxidants that may help prevent heart disease by raising good cholesterol levels. This will protect the arteries from damage. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, any wine when consumed in moderation reduces your risk of coronary artery disease by 30%.
4. Less natural sugars
Red wines have less natural sugars and more potassium and phosphorous compared to white wine. However, both have the same calcium and mineral content.
5. Iron content
Red wine contains four percent of the recommended daily intake of iron, whereas white wine contains two percent. Wine may reduce the absorption of dietary iron, so it is recommended to avoid consuming wine with your meals.
6. Magnesium content
Red wine contains five percent of the recommended daily intake of magnesium, whereas white wine has four percent.
7. Potassium content
Red wine has about 3.4% of the recommended daily intake of phosphorus, while white wine has 2.6%.
Sources:
Zagata, D., “Red Wine vs. White Wine,” LIVESTRONG.COM web site, April 17, 2015; http://www.livestrong.com/article/67623-red-wine-vs.-white-wine/, last accessed February 16, 2017.
Campbell, M., “Carbohydrates & Calories in a Bottle of Wine,” LIVESTRONG.COM web site, June 24, 2016; http://www.livestrong.com/article/309754-carbohydrates-calories-in-a-bottle-of-wine/, last accessed February 16, 2017.
Oaklander, M., “Red Wine vs. White Wine,” Prevention web site; http://www.prevention.com/content/which-healthier-red-wine-or-white-wine, last accessed February 16, 2017.
“Red Wine vs White Wine, Which is Healthier?,” Organics web site; http://organics.org/red-wine-vs-white-wine-healthier/, last accessed February 16, 2017.
