Wine is a part of many celebrations and daily rituals. Whether it’s toasting with friends or enjoying a glass with dinner, wine has become a symbol of sophistication. However, when it comes to health, choosing the right wine can make a big difference.
What is the Healthiest Wine?
According to Debbie Petitpain, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the healthiest wine option is dry white wine, especially from cooler climates. These wines generally contain less sugar and alcohol, making them a better choice for those mindful of their health.
Some wines have residual sugars from the fermentation process, and others, like dessert wines, may have added sugars. Alcohol is another factor to consider, as it contributes to the overall calorie count in wine. To minimize your intake of sugar and alcohol, opt for wines with lower levels of both.
Alcohol Content and Calories
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that men drink no more than two alcoholic drinks per day, while women should stick to one. A standard 5-ounce glass of wine with 12% alcohol by volume (ABV) falls within these guidelines. However, wines with higher ABV, such as Zinfandel (often 14% ABV or higher), can quickly exceed these limits.
Dry white wines typically have an ABV of 9-11%, which means you can enjoy a slightly larger pour or a full 5-ounce glass without exceeding the recommended alcohol intake.
The Importance of Wine’s Origin
Where your wine is from can also affect its sugar and alcohol content. Warmer regions allow for a longer growing season, which means the grapes have more time to ripen and produce wines higher in sugar and alcohol. In contrast, wines from cooler climates, such as the Pacific Northwest, northern France, and parts of New Zealand, tend to be lower in both.
Healthy Wine Drinking Tips
If you enjoy the taste of wine but want to reduce alcohol intake, try non-alcoholic wine. Another option is to alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. If you prefer a refreshing twist, consider making a wine spritzer by adding sparkling water. This will give you a larger serving without adding extra alcohol or calories.
Is Wine Good for You?
While some studies suggest that moderate red wine consumption may offer health benefits, such as improved heart health, experts caution that alcohol intake carries risks. Medical professionals do not recommend drinking for health benefits, and there is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. Excessive drinking can also lead to over 200 health issues.
Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and disease-preventing properties. However, you would need to drink a large amount of wine to receive significant health benefits, and one glass a day is unlikely to provide enough of these effects.
Balancing the Benefits and Risks
A recent study found mixed results regarding the impact of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease risk. Some metabolites linked moderate drinking to increased risk, while others indicated potential benefits. This highlights the complexity of alcohol’s effect on health.
Petitpain emphasizes that moderation is key. Low-alcohol wines offer a way to enjoy the drink without consuming too many calories or too much alcohol. As with most things, a small amount may offer some health benefits, but excess consumption can have harmful effects.
By choosing low-sugar, lower-alcohol wines and drinking in moderation, you can enjoy wine as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Read more:
- U.S. Wine Sales Decline As Younger Consumers Embrace New Drinking Trends
- EU Experts Call For Shift Toward Low- And No-Alcohol Wines To Meet Consumer Demand
- Is Drinking Alcohol Safe? Experts Explain The Cancer Risks And What You Can Do
