Most wine drinkers have their preferences of red or white wines and their preferences are mostly based on taste. However, if you want to have a healthy meal, you should take the nutritional values of the wines into consideration. So, should you go for white or red wines?
Features of White and Red Wines
The main ingredient in white wines is white grapes, and these grapes have no skin or seeds. Most white wines have light and fruity taste, but there are certain varieties of white wines that have richer taste. Some of the types of white wines that are available include Champagne, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier and Chenin Blanc.
On the other hand, red wines are made with dark red and black grapes. The main difference between red and white wines is that red wines are produced with whole grapes, including the skin. The skins add colour and flavour to red wines, and this is the reason these wines have richer flavour. Red wines are the preferred type of wines in major wine-making countries such as Italy and France. The most popular red wines include Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Malbec and Sangiovese.
Health Benefits of White and Red Wines
Both white and red wines are good for your health. Although they are made with grapes, they do not provide the same health benefits as fruits. After they go through fermentation, the grapes lose some of their original nutrition, but they also gain new health benefits. One of the main benefits of white wines is that they can improve the performance of the heart and prevent heart diseases. They are also effective in promoting lungs health.
Red wines have most of the health benefits of white wines, and they can contribute to your health in other ways as well. Since they contain the skins of grapes, red wines have a powerful type of antioxidants called resveratrols. Resveratrols offer excellent protection for your blood vessels, and they can eliminate blood clots as well. They are also effective in inhibiting the activities of enzymes that stimulate the growth of cancer cells and slow down immune response. Red wines also contain polyphenols, which are excellent antioxidants that can perform a wide variety of tasks, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improving the immune system, combating harmful bacteria and preventing cancer. There is also a significant amount of flavonoids in red wines, and these antioxidants are known to be able to lower the risks of cancer.
Conclusion
Generally, red wines are considered a healthier option than white wines. However, high quality white wines from certain winemakers may offer more health benefits than some red wines. Wines do not only improve physical health; they can also help you overcome stress. If you are suffering from a serious disease, the calming effect of wines may give you the mental focus to help you overcome the illness. Even though wines are beneficial to your health, they should not be consumed excessively.
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