Is white wine healthier than we think?

From antioxidants to calories, this is how white wine really measures up. Photo / 123RF

Red wine has received a lot of attention for its supposed health benefits – how does the odd glass of white stack up?

It’s the line we’ll pull out when we want to indulge in another glass of red: “Oh go on, it’s good for your heart.”

But while studies touting that the odd glass of red is good for the heart might be music to your ears, white wine doesn’t get the same treatment. Because the science surrounding the benefits of white wine is murkier.

It’s why most of us look to red wine as a healthier choice over white. But researchers from the Brown University School of Public Health and the Warren Alpert Medical School put this assumption to the test. They compared the cancer risks associated with red and white wine by analysing 42 observational studies involving nearly 96,000 participants and found no clear evidence that red wine mitigates cancer risk.

Their findings come after years of research that argued the opposite. This includes research by the University of Leicester, which found that small doses of resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, may help to prevent bowel cancer. And a study by the University of Catania discovered that drinking red wine in small quantities as part of the Mediterranean diet may protect against colorectal cancer. Yet, researchers on this particular study found no overall increase to cancer risk from consuming wine, regardless of colour. However, multiple studies have found that all alcohol, regardless of the type, is linked to an increased risk of many cancers.

But if we are going to indulge, is it possible that white wine is just as good as red, and healthier than we think? And for those of us who like the occasional glass, which are the best types?

What is in white wine?

“Wine is one of the most chemically complex ‘foods’ we consume, with it literally consisting of thousands of compounds that contribute to its flavour and character,” says Dr Hassan Vally, an associate professor of epidemiology at Deakin University.

The primary ingredient is alcohol an,d its health effects, particularly when consumed in excess, are well established. It’s strongly linked to an increased risk of several cancers and liver disease, and can cause digestive issues and weight gain.

Alcohol also contains natural phenolic compounds called polyphenols. A review in the Frontiers in Nutrition Journal found that polyphenols may be effective in preventing and managing certain chronic diseases. Their other potential benefits include regulation of metabolism and weight. They’ve drawn a lot of attention in recent years, with scientists keen to uncover their potential health benefits. “They are bioactive compounds derived from grape skins,” Vally explains. “Red wines typically contain more phenolics than white wines, but they are present in both wine types.”

What are the health benefits?

Among its (admittedly few) benefits, Rob Hobson, registered nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Family Life points to these health-promoting polyphenols as white wine’s only redeeming factor.

However, much more is known about the polyphenol content of red wine simply because it is far richer in them than white. It has much higher levels of resveratrol – a compound found in grapes which has the potential to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular functioning, according to a 2018 review in Biomedicines.

While the average total polyphenols in red wine is around 200mg a glass, according to a study in the International Journal of Angiology, white wine contains just a fraction of this, with a measly 30mg per glass.

This is because the highest concentrations of polyphenols are found in the skin, seeds, and stem of the grape. Whilst red wine production involves the grapes being fermented with the skins and seeds, there is minimal contact with these parts during the making of white wine.

It’s true that white wine does contain some polyphenols, but drinking a glass has far fewer benefits than red.

However, “macerated white wine” – known commonly as orange wine – may contain more polyphenols than a standard glass of white. It is made from white grapes fermented with their skins, Hobson explains.

Additionally, a 2018 study in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that a limited amount of white wine may reduce cognitive issues associated with ageing.

The researchers explored the effects of a diet enriched with white wine polyphenols on Alzheimer’s-like pathology in mice and discovered they may have a beneficial impact on chronic inflammatory processes that are associated with dementia.

However, Vally points out that most of the potential health benefits of white wine are offset by the alcohol itself. He urges those who enjoy it to drink in moderation.

“Like many things in life, it’s all about trading off the benefits (the pleasure obtained from drinking white wine) against the costs to your health, which may be limited if wine is consumed in small quantities,” he says.

“So people may choose to enjoy wine for the taste or the pleasure it brings when socialising, whilst also being mindful of the health costs and drinking responsibly.”

What are the health risks?

1. It can lead to weight gain

“Each gram of alcohol in a glass of wine contains seven calories – and that compares to nine calories per gram for fat and just over four for sugar,” explains Dr Frankie Phillips, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association.

A typical 175ml glass of white wine contains around 130 calories, slightly more than you would find in a bag of ready salted crisps, according to Drinkaware.

“I think that people often overlook that having an excess of alcohol can lead to weight gain,” Dr Phillips says.

The body prioritises alcohol as an energy source, which can lead to it storing more fat when white wine is consumed in excess.

2. It impacts digestion

Drinking white wine can also cause digestive problems, Hobson explains.

“It can lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria and can also weaken the gut barrier which is associated with inflammation and digestive problems.”

This is because – unlike food – alcohol doesn’t need to be broken down and digested. It is absorbed from the stomach and small intestine directly and quickly enters the bloodstream.

Alcohol consumption can also cause the gut-related symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation as it causes digestion to speed up, leading to loose stools.

Sweet white wines can contain over 10g of sugar per bottle. Photo / 123RF

3. It can affect sleep quality

Hobson also highlights the effect that alcohol can have on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is when we have our most vivid and complicated dreams, and it’s the stage we naturally wake up from.

“While it can make you fall asleep quicker, it negatively affects sleep quality, especially in the latter part of the night,” he says.

A review by researchers at the London Sleep Centre found that alcohol consumption could induce deep sleep at the beginning of the sleep cycle, but if sleep continues for a longer duration, then overall quality deteriorates.

The “healthiest” white wines

A standard 750ml bottle of white wine contains around 550-650 calories and 11-14% ABV.

Most winemakers don’t list nutritional content on their labels as it isn’t legally required. This means it can be difficult to know how much sugar is in a bottle. According to Drinkwell, an average serving of white wine contains around 1.4g of sugar, while 750ml bottles of the sweeter variations can contain 10g of sugar and more.

FAQs

Can I have a glass of wine and still lose weight?

Yes – with weight loss, balance is key, Hope says. “Losing weight whilst consuming a glass of white wine every now and again is possible, alongside a well-balanced, nutritious diet.”

Which white wine has the least calories and sugar?

Dry white wines tend to contain less sugar than sweet ones, Hobson explains. “They’re a better choice for those concerned with blood sugar regulation.

“However, even dry wines can have some effect on blood sugar, so moderation is key, especially for those with diabetes or managing blood sugar levels.”

The alcohol content also has an effect: one gram of alcohol contains around seven calories, so lower ABV wines tend to be lower calorie, he says.