Drinking wine in moderation can be good for you, according to a study by J.B. German and R.L. Walzem published in the 2000 "Annual Review of Nutrition." They found that people who drink wine daily in moderation live longer and are less prone cardiovascular mortality than individuals who abstain or who are heavy drinkers.
Calories
The standard measurement for a glass of wine is 5 oz. A 4 oz. glass of wine averages around 80 calories, but the average glass of wine served in bars is usually around 5 to 6 oz. The number of calories is affected by the alcohol content, and wines have anywhere from 12 to 17 percent alcohol. To calculate the calories of wine, simply multiply the number of ounces by alcohol percentage and then multiply that by 1.6. For example, for wine that is 12 percent alcoholl, 4 oz x 12 x 1.6 = 76.8 calories. It does not matter whether the wine is red or white, the calories are figured the same way.
Benefits
Drinking wine in moderation regularly is good for the heart and circulatory system. It may also help prevent against Type 2 diabetes and gallstones, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Moderate usage is the key term, but what is considered moderate is an ongoing debate. Generally, one to two glasses a day is considered moderate.
Risks
Wine in moderation has benefits, but drinking in excess can harm society and your health. Heavy drinking is estimated to be the cause of around 50 percent of fatal accidents, contributes to domestic violence and depression. It also alters mood coordination and concentration. In the body, excess alcohol consumption can cause liver disease, increase blood pressure and damage the heart muscle, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
References
- PubMed: The Health Benefits of Wine
- Harvard School of Public Health: Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits
- National Institutes of Health: Alcohol and Diet
- Wine Intro: The Calories in Wine
- MayoClinic.com: Red Wine, Antioxidants and Resveratrol: Good for your Heart?
- NUTRA Ingredients: Resveratrol in Red Wine Could Cut Colorectal Cancer Risk
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