For years, red wine has been touted as a healthier choice than white, mostly because it’s rich in resveratrol — a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease and cancer .
While white wine has traditionally been known as the more diet-friendly option due to its lower calorie content, red wine is often considered better for your long-term health — with longevity expert Dan Buettner even identifying “moderate red wine consumption” as a Blue Zones secret .
But a new study published in the journal Nutrients is challenging this long-held belief. Red wine has often been considered healthier than white wine — but is true? Researchers analyzed 42 observational studies that included almost 96,000 participants and “found no differences in the association between red or white wine consumption and overall cancer risk, challenging the common belief that red wine is healthier than white wine.”
But before you celebrate with a nice glass of Chablis — there are a couple of important caveats. Exception #1
First, the researchers noted that drinking white wine was, in fact, linked to a 22% increased risk of skin cancer .
While the exact cause of this correlation remains unclear, one theory that they posited was that white wine drinkers might engage in more risky behavior, such as indoor tanning or skimping on sunscreen.
That makes some sense, since white wine is often considered more of a daytime drink that’s better suited to hot weather — and research shows not wearing sunscreen while sunbathing at the pool or beach can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. The study found that drinking white wine was linked to a 22% increased risk of skin cancer. Exception #2
The researchers also uncorked an even more alarming result: Their conclusions only seem to apply to men.
“White wine intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer among women,” they said. Health news in your inbox? We’ll drink to that! Subscribe to our weekly Post Care newsletter!Enter your email addressBy clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Red wine halo […]
Is red wine actually healthier than white? New study casts doubt — with a couple of exceptions
