What's Healthier: Wine versus Beer

By Mansi Kohli Jan 28th 2012 at 7:00AM Rated

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Wine: An acquired taste, 3.5 oz. of wine has 85 calories

Beer: A strong & earthy flavor, 12 oz of beer has 153 calories

Production and Ingredients of Wine. The natural fermenting procedure of grapes, leads to the production of wine. The best quality wine is devoid of any kind of acid, sugar or enzyme. Wine is often made from other fruits too such as apples and berries, but they are known as fruit wines and are different in taste when compared to the real essence of grape wine.

Calorie Count of Wine. 3.5 oz. of wine has 85 calories, 5mg sodium, 0 gm fat, 2.8 gm carbohydrates and 1% calcium.

Health Benefits of Wine. Resveratrol is a chemical found in wine and has cardioprotective and chemoprotective effects on the body. Low levels of resveratrol have a direct impact on the inherited forces of ageing and are especially good for the heart. Wine also contains plant-based polyphenols and antioxidants, which if consumed in moderate amounts, can keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.

Antioxidant Property of Wine. Antioxidants in red wine are there because of the fruits, which are used to prepare it. Antioxidants such as flavonoids and resveratrol, help the body fight free radicals that are present in the body. It helps in fighting disease conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.

Popularity Poll on Wine. A popular beverage with meals and in gentle company, wine wins hands down when compared to beer. The reasons - healthy calories, higher health benefits and better appetite control. But remember - moderation is key.

Production and Ingredients of Beer. Made by the age-old fermented process where saccharification of starch and fermentation of sugar takes place. The starch is derived from malted wheat and malted barley.

Calorie Count of Beer. 12 oz of beet has 153 calories, 14mg sodium, 0 gm fat, 12.6 gm carbohydrates and 1% calcium.

Health Benefit of Beer. Beer is a rich source of nutrients such as magnesium, selenium and potassium. Besides this, it is also known as a good source of chromium, B vitamins and biotin. Popularly known as ‘liquid bread’, beer has that strong, earthy and bitterish flavour to it and that’s what makes the beer delicious for beer lovers all around the world.

Antioxidant Property of Beer. Beer contains antioxidants, which come mainly from the malted barley found in the drink. The barley cell walls contain an antioxidant called ferulic acid and are equally good for the body to increase its antioxidant activity as wine.

Popularity Poll on Beer. Compared to wine, beer is quite pocket-friendly and is the most consumed alcoholic beverage after tea and water. But this ease of availability and high popularity can spell trouble if you're watching your waistline. It's usually noticed that beer drinkers tend to guzzle more beers, than wine drinkers guzzle wine. The pint system also makes for large portions, and if you compare a glass of wine to a glass of beer - wine emerges as the winner for fitness enthusiasts.

TAGS: wine or beer, versus post, alcohol and health