Is Red Wine Healthy?

Since working with reknowned Chef Steve Chiapetti on our Hauser Diet recipes and photo shoots, I have gained a great appreciation for how wine can complement a meal – making a good meal – a great meal! When you combine the perfect wine with your delicious home-cooked meal, you get a match made in heaven! YUM!

Many people feel that they can only drink red wine because at least they will get the "health benefit" from it, when they don’t even really like red wine. I recently came across this article talking about the fact that white wines may be just as healthy for the heart as red wines. Research has suggested that most of the heart-healthy benefits come from antioxidant compounds primarily found in the grape skins. These compounds are called anthocyanins and contribute to the red color of the fruit. In the making of red wines, the grape skins are crushed along with the pulp. But the skins are quickly separated out during the making of most white wines.

Hence came the belief that red wines, which contain more of these anthocyanins, are responsible for the wine’s beneficial effects in fighting heart disease. Researchers in this article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry say that new evidence suggests the pulp of grapes appears to be just as heart-healthy as the skin, thanks to other types of antioxidants present in the flesh. In addition, tests showed both extracts appeared to have the same level of antioxidant activity.

This now challenges the idea that red wines, like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and pinot noir, are better for the heart than white wines, such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and Riesling. Sounds like they are equally as good from these studies. But…are they?

Well, we in the Hauser Diet world would say, no! As you know already, not all patients have the same physiology – hence the need for Diet Typing. We recommend that everyone determine what breakdown of carbs/protein/fats are optimal for their specific body make-up. Those trying to follow a vegetarian (Giraffe) diet, who have the physiology of a Lion (carnivore) are not going to feel their best.

Wine affects people differently. Someone who suffers from hypoglycemia and who does not do well with carbs is not going to do well with wine – red or white! In other words, Lions and Otters are not going to feel optimal with added carbohydrates such as wine in their diets. This will only provide them with additional calories, reduce their energy, and most likely contribute to a hypoglycemic episode. When mixed with fruit juices to make your favorite sangria – even worse for the Lion and Otter. Giraffes, Monkeys, and Bears to some degree, can have a glass of wine and feel great with it – and get that added cardiovascular benefit! Just a reminder – too much of anything is too much. Drinking 6 ounces of wine with dinner versus drinking 30 ounces of wine is a big difference! So watch your portions!

If you would like to determine your Diet Type, we’d sure love to help you figure it all out – give us a call!