In recent years, research on the health benefits of wine has continued to emerge. From anti-oxidation to cardiovascular protection, red wine and white wine seem to have eye-catching unique advantages. So, in this “red vs. white battle”, which type of wine is better for health?
Red wine: a healthy all-rounder
● “Secret weapon” for anti-oxidation and anti-aging
Red wine is rich in polyphenols, among which resveratrol and anthocyanins are the “stars” in the field of anti-oxidation. These ingredients are like a group of hard-working “cleaners” that can effectively remove free radicals in the body.
Free radicals are harmful substances produced during the body’s metabolism. They can damage cells and accelerate the aging process. The antioxidant substances in red wine can reduce the damage of oxidative stress to cells and protect the integrity of cell membranes and DNA structures.
In addition, long-term and moderate drinking of red wine can help maintain skin elasticity, reduce the formation of wrinkles, reduce the risk of age-related degenerative diseases, and keep you young and energetic in the long river of time.
● “Guardian” of cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular disease is the “number one killer” threatening human health, and the polyphenols in red wine are the “guardians” of cardiovascular health. They can improve endothelial function, increase the release of nitric oxide, dilate blood vessels, and thus lower blood pressure. In particular, resveratrol also has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the occurrence of atherosclerosis.
In addition, the polyphenols in red wine can inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, reduce thrombosis, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Drinking red wine in moderation is like adding a layer of “protection” to the cardiovascular system.
● “Regulator” of blood lipid metabolism
Disorders in blood lipid metabolism are one of the important causes of cardiovascular disease. The polyphenols in red wine can inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and promote the production of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is called “good cholesterol”. It can transport cholesterol on the blood vessel wall back to the liver for metabolism, thereby maintaining the balance of lipids in the blood, reducing lipid deposition on the blood vessel wall, preventing arteriosclerosis, improving blood lipid profile, and reducing the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.
● “Enhancer” of immune function
The polyphenol compounds in red wine have an immunomodulatory effect, which can activate the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells and enhance the body’s defense against pathogens.
In addition, resveratrol can also inhibit the release of inflammatory factors, reduce the negative effects of chronic inflammation on the immune system, improve resistance, and reduce the incidence of infectious diseases. It is like injecting a “cardiotonic” into the immune system, making our bodies healthier.
● A “booster” for digestive function
Tannin acid in red wine is a “booster” for improving digestive function. It can promote gastric acid secretion, enhance gastrointestinal motility, and help digestion and absorption of food. Polyphenols can also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, maintain the balance of intestinal flora, relieve indigestion symptoms, reduce gastrointestinal bloating, and improve overall digestive efficiency.
In addition, hydrochloric acid and potassium sorbate in red wine are beneficial to protein assimilation and the secretion of bile and pancreas, promote intestinal muscle contraction, regulate colon function, and prevent constipation.
● Other potential benefits
In addition to the health benefits mentioned above, polyphenols in red wine can also protect nerve cells and prevent the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Alcohol can also promote blood circulation, increase oxygen supply to the brain, and improve brain function. At the same time, moderate drinking can relieve tension, relax the body and mind, and help sleep, but excessive drinking may lead to a decline in sleep quality.
White wine: a “low-key expert” in the field of health
● “Invisible Guardian” of anti-aging
Although white wine is lighter in color, it also contains more antioxidants, such as resveratrol and flavonoids. These antioxidants are like a group of “invisible guards” that can remove excessive oxygen free radicals in the human body, play an anti-aging role, and reduce the incidence of certain chronic diseases.
Compared with red wine, although the types and contents of antioxidant components in white wine are different, they can also protect our health.
● “Potential power” to prevent cancer
White grapes contain resveratrol, which can prevent normal cells from becoming cancerous and inhibit the spread of cancer cells. Although the research on white wine’s ability to prevent cancer is still in progress, it undoubtedly provides us with a potential health protection force.
● “Bright messenger” to protect eyes
Studies have shown that drinking white wine in moderation can reduce the risk of gradual loss of central vision due to macular degeneration, reduce macular phenomena in the eyes, and protect vision. In this era of popular electronic devices, protecting the eyes is particularly important, and white wine may be a good helper for our eyes.
● “Intimate partner” for nourishing the kidney and protecting the stomach
White wine contains organic acids such as tartaric acid, which has a diuretic and anti-edema effect, and can nourish the kidney and protect the stomach. For those with poor kidney and stomach function, drinking white wine in moderation may have a certain conditioning effect. Of course, this does not mean that you can drink too much, and moderation is the key.
● “Loyal guardian” for protecting the heart
Although the mechanism of white wine in protecting the heart is different from that of red wine, it also contains antioxidant ingredients and rich phenolic compounds, which can prevent arteriosclerosis and platelet aggregation, maintain normal cardiovascular and cerebrovascular functions, increase high-density lipoprotein levels, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
● A “gentle helper” to improve digestion
The organic acids in white wine can promote the secretion of digestive juices. Drinking a moderate amount after meals every day can promote gastrointestinal health. Compared with red wine, white wine tastes more refreshing and has relatively less stimulation to the stomach and intestines. It is a gentle digestive helper.
● A “solid backer” to prevent osteoporosis
The polyphenol compounds in white wine can increase bone density, reduce bone loss, prevent osteoporosis, and maintain bone health. For those who are worried about osteoporosis, drinking white wine in moderation may become a “solid backer” for their bone health.
● A “source of happiness” to improve mental health
Certain ingredients in white wine can increase the level of serotonin in the brain, relieve anxiety, depression and other emotions, and help mental health. In a busy life, drinking a glass of white wine occasionally may make us feel a little happy and relaxed.
Who wins the battle between red and white?
Red wine and white wine each have their own unique advantages in the field of health. Red wine performs well in anti-oxidation, cardiovascular protection, and blood lipid metabolism regulation, while white wine performs well in anti-aging, cancer prevention, eye protection, kidney and stomach protection.
So, which type of wine is more beneficial to health? In fact, there is no absolute answer.
Because everyone’s physical condition, eating habits and lifestyle are different, their tolerance to wine is also different. For some people with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, red wine may be more suitable; for those who pay attention to eye health and kidney and stomach protection, white wine may be a better choice.
In addition, we also need to note that whether it is red wine or white wine, moderate drinking is the key. Excessive drinking of wine not only fails to bring health benefits, but also causes damage to the body, such as liver damage, alcohol poisoning, etc. Therefore, while enjoying the deliciousness and health brought by wine, we must also remain rational and restrained.
