From the Guidelines
White wine and red wine have similar cardiovascular health effects, as the cardioprotective effects of alcohol are not determined by the type of alcoholic beverage consumed. The key factor in determining the health benefits of wine is moderate consumption, defined as up to one 5-ounce glass per day for women and up to two for men 1.
Key Considerations
- The potential benefits of moderate wine consumption include improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and better blood sugar control 1.
- Excessive alcohol intake can lead to numerous health problems, and the potential risks of alcohol consumption can outweigh the benefits 1.
- The difference in health effects between red and white wine is not clearly established, and there is no clear evidence that wine is more beneficial than other forms of alcohol 1.
Recommendations
- If alcoholic beverages are consumed, they should be limited to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women, and ideally should be consumed with meals 1.
- Alcohol use should be an item of discussion between physician and patient, and individuals should be aware of the potential health hazards associated with alcohol ingestion 1.
- Starting to drink wine for health reasons is not recommended if you don't already drink alcohol, as there are many other ways to improve longevity through diet and lifestyle choices that don't involve alcohol.
From the Research
Cardiovascular Health Effects of White Wine Compared to Red Wine
- The study 2 found that both red and white wine consumption had beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, but the study did not conclude that white wine has the same effects as red wine.
- Another study 3 suggested that long-term wine consumption, regardless of type, is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality and increased life expectancy, but the study focused more on the effects of red wine.
- A review of epidemiologic studies 4 found that moderate wine consumption, in general, is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality, but it did not specifically compare the effects of white and red wine.
- Research on resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine 5, has shown its potential health benefits, including cardioprotection, but it is not clear if white wine has the same levels of resveratrol.
- A review of the relationship between diet and longevity 6 mentioned red wine as a potential anti-aging food due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, but did not discuss white wine specifically.
Key Findings
- Moderate wine consumption, regardless of type, may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health 2, 3, 4.
- Red wine, in particular, has been studied for its potential health benefits due to its high content of polyphenols like resveratrol 5.
- More research is needed to determine if white wine has the same cardiovascular health effects as red wine.