Is wine really good for your heart health?

The Heart-Healthy Benefits of Wine

Red wine is often praised for its potential health benefits, with its rich, ruby hues deriving from grape skins that infuse the wine with antioxidants, including resveratrol.

• Red wine contains eight times more antioxidants than white wine, which have been linked to heart disease protection and potential longevity.
• Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant, offering protection against heart disease by lowering “bad” cholesterol levels and increasing “good” cholesterol.

The Rise of Orange Wines

Orange wine, known as “white wine made like a red,” is gaining attention for its health benefits due to the fermentation of white grapes with their skins and seeds, offering a similar antioxidant profile to red wine.

• These antioxidants, especially polyphenols, are beneficial for heart health and may provide protection against heart disease.

Rosé Wine

Rosé wine, popular for warm weather consumption, falls between red and white wines in terms of health benefits, offering a moderate level of antioxidants from brief contact with grape skins.

White Wines: A Lighter Option

White wine, although refreshing and lower in alcohol content, lacks the same level of antioxidants found in red and orange wines due to early removal of grape skins during fermentation.

• Dry white wines, as opposed to sweeter varieties, offer lower sugar content, making them a slightly healthier choice.

Finding the Balance of Enjoyment and Health

While wine can be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, moderation is crucial, with recommendations of up to one five-ounce glass per day for women and up to two glasses for men to reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues.

Organic wines may decrease exposure to pesticides, but the broader health effects of wine, whether organic or not, are still under research.

When focusing on heart health, enjoy wine in moderation, savor the moment, and make informed choices that contribute to overall well-being.

Source: The Citizen