Is Red Wine Really That Good for You?

By Bryan Kittman | May 17, 2019

Red wine has long been considered to be a healthy choice when it comes to drinking alcohol. While drinking should always be done in moderation, the benefits of red wine are rumored to be widely agreed upon by doctors and nutritionists. Here is what you need to know about the health benefits of drinking red wine.

It’s packed with antioxidants

Red wine has tons of antioxidants called polyphenols that are known to help protect your the lining of blood vessel in your heart. One particular polyphenol, resveratrol, is known for being a key antioxidant, and the source of the many health benefits of red wine.

Resveratrol can help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and prevent blood clots, making it a powerful antioxidant for heart health. It has also been shown to protect your body against free radical damage and oxidative stress, both of which can be precursors to heart disease, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.

Resveratrol has also been studied for its benefits for easing joint pain, helping with diabetes, and preventing cancer. One of the more exciting possibilities is the fact that resveratrol can be effective in activating certain genes that ward off the negative effects of aging.

What about white wine?

White wine is made by pressing the grapes then removing the skins, seeds, and stems before fermentation. Removing these parts take with it many of the antioxidants that are found in much higher levels in red wine. While the presence of antioxidants and resveratrol exist in white wine, the levels of it are to a much lower degree than what you’ll find in red wine.

Moderation is key

Just because red wine has several powerful health benefits doesn’t mean you have the green light to go all college on your drinking. Drinking is always best in moderation, with research showing this means one drink for women and two for men. A proper moderate pour of wine equates to about 5 oz.  It’s important to note that drinking alcohol should never be seen as a surefire way to improve your health. However, if you enjoy drinking wine, red wine is the clear choice.