What are the Health Benefits of White Wine?

There are several benefits of white wine that have been revealed in studies on wine drinkers, including elevated the levels of good cholesterol in the body and lowered risk of stroke, cancer and heart disease. However, it is important to be aware that excessive consumption of alcohol can be dangerous and that many of the benefits touted in wines can be obtained through other food sources that are safer. Some studies have shown that in order to access the pros of white wine, people would need to consume the beverage in such high volumes that they would risk some health problems.

Studies on people who engage in moderate wine consumption show that people who regularly drink both red and white wine appeared to have lowered risks for stroke and cancer. Since it can be difficult to control for dietary factors, especially in long term studies, some researchers are reluctant to attribute these reduced risks specifically to wine consumption.

Drinking white wine can contribute to elevations in the level of good cholesterol in the body. This is another one of the benefits of white wine that has been demonstrated in several studies, including long term studies. These benefits can be enhanced by eating a varied diet and exercising to promote physical and cardiovascular health. People interested in the pros of white wine may also be interested to know that red wines are usually believed to be more beneficial because they retain more of the complex chemical compounds that confer health benefits.

White wine is also mildly antibacterial, thanks to the alcohol content. Historically, some cultures used wines to sterilize wounds and the antibacterial properties could be considered one of the benefits of white wine. This beverage also contains antioxidants and flavanoids, two compounds found in even higher concentration in red wines. These compounds fight free radicals in the body and contribute to improved lung and cardiovascular function. Some researchers believe that the benefits of white wine include a healthier heart and lungs, in addition to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease.

When looking at scientific studies that make claims about the health benefits of various foods and beverages, it can be helpful to look at the sample used and the study methodology. Diets are complex and it is possible that the researchers were not able to control for everything and that the benefits seen in such studies are actually the result of something else in the diet of the subjects. People should also look at how many servings of the food or drink in question are needed a day to obtain those benefits and see if there are better alternatives. People who want lots of antioxidants, for example, might be better off adding more cranberries, blueberries, and artichokes to their diet because these food offer health benefits without the dangers of alcohol.