Red wine, like all alcoholic beverages, is often considered to contain "empty calories" because few of its calories come from anything with nutritional value. Recent research, however, suggests that red wine may contain healthy antioxidants. All values below are for one 5 fluid oz. serving of red wine. Mineral and vitamin information is given based on a sample of Merlot. Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) percentages are for adults under age 50. Percentages will differ for older adults.
Calories
One 5-oz serving of red wine contains 125 calories. These calories come primarily from the 15.6 g of alcohol and 3.8 g of carbohydrates in each serving. One serving contains less than one gram of sugar and no fiber.
Fat and Protein
Very few of the calories in red wine come from protein or fat. One serving contains no fat and only .1 g of protein. Wine also contains no cholesterol.
Minerals
Red wine provides small amounts of many minerals. One serving provides 8.5 percent of the DRI for iron for men, and 3.8 percent for women. One serving also provides 9.4 percent of the DRI of potassium and 10.8 percent of manganese, as well as approximately 5 percent of magnesium and phosphorus. Red wine is also quite high in fluoride, with one serving supplying 51 percent of the DRI for men and 38 percent for women. Fluoride is important for cavity prevention and bone formation.
Vitamins
While red wine provides numerous minerals, it is quite low in vitamins. One serving contains only 6.5 percent of the DRI of vitamin B6, 4 percent of riboflavin and 2 percent of both choline and riboflavin. Each serving contains 1 percent or less of all other vitamins.
Antioxidants
According to The Mayo Clinic, "The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of 'good' cholesterol and protecting against artery damage." The antioxidants in red wine come in two forms, flavonoids and nonflavonoids. Much research has been done on one particular nonflavonoid called resveratrol, which comes from the skin of grapes. It is possible that resveratrol may help reduce blood clots and lower "bad" cholesterol. Most research has, however, been done on mice and not humans. As an added benefit, the alcohol in the wine is thought to prevent damage from "bad" cholesterol, as well as raise the "good" cholesterol.
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