We’ve all heard that red wine has a health benefit or two to offer, but just how much of an impact does your selection of wine make when it comes to positive impact? Well, in fact, it can matter quite a bit. All wine is definitely not created equal when it comes to the health benefits that it offers, and as more and more research is being done, we have an even better understanding of some of the good things found in our wine and which grapes have the largest quantities.
If you’re looking to get a little health boost with your next glass of wine, we prepared a guide to help you make a selection. Here are the five healthiest red wine choices for your body:
1. Pinot noir
You might be surprised to learn that there really is one particular grape that has claimed the number one spot of healthiest wine, but the winner is Pinot Noir. Although all red wines are generally considered healthier than whites, Pinot Noir is top of its class. The reason is because the Pinot Noir grape has been found to contain the highest levels of resveratrol out of any wine grape.
The reason wine got its healthy status in the first place, resveratrol is an antioxidant compound that has been shown to improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. What’s more, some studies have even suggested that this particular antioxidant can improve brain health and insulin sensitivity, which can contribute to a longer lifespan.
And the final bonus points for Pinot Noir come from the fact that it is produced in a different way than other red wines, causing it to have lower sugar content and fewer calories.
2. Merlot
Although no other grape can challenge Pinot Noir for the number one spot, if you prefer Merlot, you’re also in luck. It has also been found to have high levels of resveratrol, so you still get the heart boosting benefits. Resveratrol has also been shown to slow down age-related cognitive decline thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. This is the same reason it has further been linked to easing join pain and even suppressing cancer cells.
3. Cabernet
In addition to Pinot Noir and Merlot, Cabernet or pretty much any other dry red also ranks quite high on the health scale. They all have fairly notable levels of resveratrol, while also keeping sugar levels low. If you want to feel good about the wine you’re drinking but prefer a Cabernet to a Pinot, you can rest assured that you’re still making a health choice.
4. Rosé
Although not quite on par with red wine when it comes to health benefits, rosé does still contain some of the beneficial antioxidants mentioned above. Made differently than other red wines, rosé does still contain red grapes. Although there is less time for the skin to transfer antioxidants during the wine making process, it is definitely still preferable to white win in terms of health benefits.
5. No sweet wines
If you want to enjoy health benefits from the wine you drink, sweet white wines, like Moscato or sweet Rieslings, should be avoided at all costs. These wines have no antioxidants and very high sugar levels. Sugar means carbs and therefore they are also likely to contribute to weight gain. If you absolutely love sweet white wine, it is certainly alright to indulge from time to time, but just don’t kid yourself about the health benefits.
