Throughout history, the health benefits of wine, especially red varieties, have been praised by many great figures, including Hippocrates, Galen, Roger Bacon, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, Dr. Louis Pasteur, and others. Red wine has been credited with anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-heart disease, increased libido, and anti-depression benefits. But in the modern world, what is the truth? What are the actual health benefits of red wine?
Although it was generally accepted by most health care professionals that moderate amounts of red wine could be beneficial, it wasn’t until Dr. Serge Renaud of Bordeaux University described what he called the “French Paradox” in 1991 that serious investigation began. It was long known that the French had significantly lower incidences of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and other health issues compared to Americans and other Europeans, despite consuming fats, butter, sugars, pastries, high-fat liver pâtés, and rich sauces regularly. Additionally, it is a fact that Americans living in France tend to lose weight, while French immigrants to the U.S. tend to gain weight. The difference? The French regularly consume wine, particularly red wine.
The French Paradox: Is Wine the Key?
This phenomenon could be partially explained by the French cultural traits of moderation, their joy of living, their enjoyment of walking and cycling, and generally more health-conscious attitudes. However, the big discovery was that there might be something in wine that contributed to this ‘paradox.’
It was known that grape skins produce a chemical called resveratrol, which inhibits fungal growth. Similar to penicillin, a type of rye mold, the health implications of this chemical had never been thoroughly studied before. New research revealed that resveratrol helps protect the brain and nervous system, supports the circulatory system, can even reverse circulatory damage, reduces inflammation, and has anti-cancer properties. Additionally, wines contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, all of which have positive bioactive effects on the body. It was quickly determined that moderate consumption—about one glass per day—could classify wine as a superfood.
That partially explained it, but in field studies, it appeared that red wine had a more pronounced effect than white wine. The difference lies in how wine is made. Different grape varieties produce varying amounts of resveratrol, with the Grenache variety producing the highest levels on average. Grenache is the most popular red wine grape worldwide. Additionally, making red wine requires that the skins remain in contact with the grape juice longer than in white wines. Or, it could simply be that red wine is more popular in France—who knows?
The most recent studies suggest that the amount of resveratrol varies depending on where the grapes are grown. A white wine from a region with high resveratrol, such as Spain or southern France, may actually be better for you than a red wine from a region with lower resveratrol levels, like California or Australia. White wines also have the advantage of being lower in calories than red wine, so a good French Chardonnay may be a better choice for someone who is weight-conscious. White wines also don’t cause the headaches often associated with red wines. Red wines contain significantly higher levels of histamines, which are suspected of causing wine headaches. Additionally, white wines are less likely to cause drug interactions than red wine.
Interestingly, some studies suggest that even people with Type 2 diabetes can benefit from red wine. Preliminary results have shown that black tea and red wine slow the absorption of glucose by the small intestine, preventing blood sugar ‘spikes’ after eating. However, if you are taking Metformin or Glucophage, be cautious and avoid taking them at the same time as wine. Combining the two can lead to a condition called lactic acidosis, which is characterized by fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, numbness in the arms and legs, and irregular heartbeat. This condition is mostly a danger for those with pre-existing heart conditions, liver, or kidney disease, but it’s best to err on the side of caution. As a Type 2 Diabetic on Metformin, I ensure I have my wine at least 4 hours before taking my medication. I have experienced no complications in several years, but you should always consult your physician before adding wine to your diet. Other health conditions that could prevent wine use for health purposes include allergies to wine or alcohol, chronic dipsomania (alcoholism), and liver or kidney problems.
There has been no definitive conclusion on whether red or white wine is better. If you’re unsure, you could always play it safe and have half a glass of each. Regardless, it seems that there are real health benefits from moderate wine consumption, paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle choices. The evidence suggests that one could see an improvement in the quality of life from the health benefits of red wine.
Author’s Note: Nothing in this article is intended as medical advice. It is for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle or diet or if you have any questions.
