Dating back since 6000 BCE (today’s Georgia), wine has been the most popular alcoholic drink in the world for thousands of years.
In Greek mythology, Dionysus (the God of wine) squashed a cluster of grapes producing a sweet juice, which was considered the birth of wine.
In ancient Greece, wine was a religious symbol and was believed to relieve sadness, bring happiness, and arouse divine chaos.
Wine is also known as the treasured drink of the kings, often called “the fountain of youth”.
A glass of this delicious, refined grape juice after lunch or dinner is the favourite ritual of countless people worldwide.
It does have special relaxing and joy-bringing powers which are more than welcome at the end of the long working day.
Moreover, many studies researched the effect wine has on the human body and the potential benefits and risks to our health.
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White vs Red Wine
White wine is made with white grapes, and the skins are removed before fermentation, while red wine is made with red grapes with their skin remaining during the fermentation.
The grape skin is rich in resveratrol, a polyphenol which has powerful antioxidant properties.
Moreover, it is believed that this natural compound is beneficial for heart health and the circulatory system.
Since red wine is made with skins, it is considered to have higher resveratrol content than white wine.
However, regarding the other beneficial nutrients, analyses have shown that there is a small or no difference between the white and red wine nutrient content.
White Wine
White wine is abundant in antioxidants which have numerous health benefits, such as:
- Antioxidants can prevent oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Moreover, a glass of good white wine helps relieve mental stress and promotes a better mood. Quaglia Moscato is an organic white wine with only 4.5% alcohol content. It is made in one of the most prestigious Italian winemaking regions with certified organic standards.
- The rich antioxidant contents found in European wines are often compared to that of olive oil, so moderate amounts of quality white wine can be beneficial for the heart and the circulatory system. If you want to enjoy all the benefits of drinking wine, make sure to choose an organic wine from a well-renowned region like Belondrade Y Lurton which comes from Castilla y Leon, one of the greatest winemaking regions in Spain.
- Another study suggests that drinking white wine in moderate amounts can help you lose some weight and stay fit. Opt for a refreshing and light white wine like La Scolca from Piedmont, Italy, made with special grape sorting and organic standards.
Red Wine
Being fermented along with the grape skins, red wine is rich in resveratrol which promotes heart health, including:
- Resveratrol increases HDL cholesterol levels and at the same time reduces LDL levels. However, these properties are highly subtle and only effective when taken in moderate amounts. When consuming red wine, choose an organic red wine from a well-reputed winemaking region, such as 3 Qvevri Terraces Saperavi 2020 from Georgia. It is made in the traditional qvevri method, following organic certifications.
- Prevents blood clotting and inflammation, which reduces the risk of heart and cardiovascular problems. Moreover, resveratrol is also linked to protecting from artery damage caused by free radicals or LDL cholesterol. For this purpose, you can choose Qierciabella Chianti Classico, a superb organic red wine from the fertile Tuscan soil which offers a plethora of tasty flavours packed in a single bottle.
- Another health benefit of resveratrol found in red wine is its ability to strengthen the blood vessel walls and improve their elasticity. In addition, it is recommended drinking a glass of red wine if you consume heavy meals in the evening since red wine can improve digestion and speed up the fat-burning process. The Spanish Mustiguillo Finca Terrerazo is the perfect choice for the occasion due to its origin and outstanding tradition. Organic winemaking methods preserve the natural compounds and ingredients of grape juice, and wine in general.
*Organic wines offer much higher quality ingredients and additional benefits. Find the best organic wines for the best prices on 8wines.com.
Is Alcohol Good for Your Heart & Wellbeing?
If you are looking for natural ways to improve heart health, you can find many fresh fruits, vegetables or supplements that can provide much more benefits compared to alcoholic drinks.
Moreover, there is no clear evidence or study which strongly supports the health benefits of wine or any other alcoholic beverage.
On the contrary, frequent alcohol consumption can cause serious health issues, both mental and physical, and sometimes the damage is irreparable.
Drinking alcohol in large amounts is linked to the risk of stroke, heart attack, hypertension, liver disease, weight gain etc.
Still, if a glass of wine with dinner is your favourite ritual, simply stay moderate and do not exceed the recommended daily amount.
Also, you should consult your physician to prevent any possible health complications arising from alcohol consumption.