Wine is often known to have positive health effects, getting invited to dinner tables, paired with salads, and praised for its health benefits. Whiskey, on the other hand, sits in a heavy glass and is usually blamed for the morning after. So the real question is: is wine actually healthier or just has a better PR? In this article, we’ll discuss the health benefits of both wine and whiskey and how they compare.
Whiskey contains a small number of antioxidants, essential compounds that protect cells from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals. A whiskey’s aging process in the barrel adds some antioxidants into the liquid and helps the body fight off infections.
Whiskey might not be the only kind of alcohol that relieves stress, but it does the job pretty well! A glass of whiskey after a long day improves blood circulation, relieves stress, and calms down your senses.
When your body catches cold, a warming glass of whiskey can offer relief from cold symptoms. The comfort and warmth of the whiskey, especially when consumed in the form of a hot toddy, can soothe your throat and open nasal passages. The alcohol in whiskey can also help with nasal congestion and sinus pressure temporarily.
Most whiskeys contain an antioxidant called Ellagic Acid. Many studies have proven that ellagic acid can reduce insulin and blood sugar levels. In fact, ellagic acid is often more present in whiskey than wine. The antioxidant regulates blood glucose levels in the liver and insulin, making it a good drink even for diabetics.
It is a globally established fact that wine, particularly red wine, is good for the heart. Many global studies have proven that moderate red wine consumption can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Red wine contains polyphenols such as resveratrol. This compound, resveratrol in wine, can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.
Some studies have also suggested that moderate consumption of red wine can be linked to lowered risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Polyphenols in red wine can act as potential neuroprotective agents.
Resveratrol can also contain potential to improve insulin sensitivity. It lowers the risk of drinkers developing Type 2 diabetes when consumed in moderate consumption. Dry wines and white wines in particular contain lower sugar content compared to sweet or dessert wines.
Red wine, rosé wines, and dessert wines can contain antioxidants like flavonoids and resveratrol. These antioxidants can combat oxidative stress, lower risk of chronic diseases, and protect cells from free radicals.
A big difference between whiskey and wine lies in their alcohol content. A standard glass of wine usually contains 12 to 14 per cent alcohol, whereas whiskey packs an alcohol content at around 40 per cent. Whiskey is generally stronger than wine, even though the serving may look smaller.
Calorie-wise, wine contains calories from both alcohol and natural varieties, especially in sweeter varieties. Whiskey, on the other hand, contains no sugar and fewer calories when consumed neat. In short, wine appears lighter and can be sweeter, but whiskey can pack a punch with little sweetness.
Wine is often enjoyed slowly, paired with food, and spread across a longer period of time. Whiskey, on the other hand, is commonly consumed in shorter sessions, either neat or in cocktails. Both the drinks are meant to be consumed in a slow, relaxing way and not in a hurried manner.
Wine naturally contains sugar from fermented grapes. However, sugar levels can vary depending on the type of wine. Dry wines contain relatively low sugar, whereas dessert wines can contain significant amounts of sugar.
Whiskey on the other hand contains no sugar. However, when mixers like soda, cola, and syrups that can turn your no-sugar drink into a sugar-heavy cocktail.
There can be no particular winner when it comes to the question of whether “is wine healthier than whiskey?”. Both wine and whiskey come with their own health benefits, but in the end, both can cause negative long-term health effects when consumed out of moderation.
There is no universal winner – the better option depends on your personal health goals and drinking habits.
Despite both the drinks containing a few health benefits, neither should be considered a ‘health’ drink. In moderation, these drinks can provide you with certain health benefits but excessive intake can cancel out any positives and increase health risks. So, which one – wine or whiskey – do you think suits you more?
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