Is White Wine Good for You?

When we talk of wine benefits usually, red wine steals the limelight. Red wines are mostly from black or dark red grapes, and grape skins are also used during the fermentation process. White wines, on the other hand, are usually made with white grapes with their grape skins separated from the juice before they are fermented. Typically, red wines are fermented in oak barrels whereas, white wines are fermented in stainless steel tanks, which reduces the oxidation process, retaining the fresh, fruity flavour of the grapes. So, do white wines have any benefits? Is it good for you? Which wines should you select at the online wine shop?

We, at The Grand Store, your online liquor store in South Africa can help to shed some light on the benefits of having white wine by beginning with the nutritional value that white wine has to offer based on a standard serving of 5 ounces.

White wine has a very less amount of carbohydrates of about 3.8 grams. Your body requires around 225 - 325 grams of carbohydrates per day for optimal function. It contains a negligible amount of 0.1 grams of protein compared to the 46 - 56 grams of protein that you require per day.

Based on a 2000 calories diet, you get around 9% of manganese, 5% each of magnesium and iron, 3% of phosphorus and 2% each of calcium and zinc. You also get essential trace elements like copper and selenium whose deficiencies are rare, but deadly. White wine contains 1% of sodium and 3% of potassium as well as 6% of vitamin B6 and 1% of vitamin K.

Now, let’s see what benefits white wine has to offer:

 

Effective antioxidants for better pulmonary health:

This is one zone, where white wine trumps red wine. While both red and white wine can increase lung function efficacy, white wine seems to be better. The nutrients in white wine contain absorbed blood toxins, thereby reducing inflammation in the airways and protecting the lungs. There was a recent study by Buffalo University researchers in which, 1,555 participants were evaluated for lifetime alcohol consumption, body measurements, lifestyle habits along with lung function. Researchers found out that moderate white wine drinkers have healthier lungs than other alcohol drinkers or teetotallers. This was due to the presence of antioxidants in wines, the protective chemicals that clean up destructive free radical particles in the body and this was more effective in white wine than red wine.

 

Fewer calories making it suitable for weight loss:

Low-calorie white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel etc. have under 85 calories, 2.6 carbs, and one gram of sugar per serving. So, when you are on a weight-loss program, you don’t have to kill your desire of having an occasional glass of white wine. Just keep in mind that the drier the wine is, the lesser the sugar content in it which leads to lower calories.

 

Powerful phenolics for cancer prevention and more:

A team of European scientists who studied around 120 different commercial white wine brands mentioned that white wine especially, the dry white wine varieties such as Chardonnay, Reisling, Silvaner contain two specific powerful phenolic compounds. These were hydroxytyrosol which helps with cancer prevention as well as skin, hair and eye health, according to their 2018 study and gallic acid, which their 2019 study found has therapeutic effects for neuropsychological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. These white wine phenolics were found to be easily absorbed and metabolised in the body.

 

Flavanoids that are great for the heart:

The presence of flavonoids contributes to the antioxidant properties of white wine. In fact, a study has just proven that white wine has more flavonoids than red wines, which implies that white wine has higher antioxidant properties. It is also proven that some types of white wine have properties to help prevent artery blockage which mostly happens due to elevated cholesterol levels, and thus protect the heart.

 

L-tartaric acid to improve skin health

Having white wine moderately helps in decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Along with a host of antioxidants, white wine has L-tartaric acid, which aids the simulation and development of new skin cells. This rejuvenates the skin and gives you a more vibrant and youthful look.

A word of caution - We encourage wine consumption in moderate quantities. According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than two drinks per day and women should limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day to reap the benefits of wine. Excessive drinking could lead to adverse health problems.

 

So, say cheers to good health and pour yourself a glass of white wine today. Check out the wine varieties we have at The Grand Store, a popular online alcohol store in South Africa.