Which One is Worth A Shot : Beer or Wine?

Components of Experiment

- Beer

- Wine

CGM Experiment

Q : Which One is Worth A Shot, Beer or Wine?

A : Wine!

Sugar level spike with wine will be lower as compared to beer as it has less carbs relatively provided the quantities are limited upto 1-2 drinks. To avoid hypoglycemia, avoid drinking on empty stomach. Resveratrol in wine can help protect against the onset of type-2 diabetes, boost cardiovascular health and even slow the ageing process. Most importantly, Wine is low in sugar and hence the better choice.

Scientific Rationale

Beer is a great source of dietary silicon that helps improve bone density; wine offers cardiovascular benefits when consumed with a meal. Some of the other benefits between a beer and a wine are as follows:

• Minerals: A can of beer is a richer source of vitamin B, phosphorus, folate, and niacin than a glass of wine. Additionally, beer has protein, fibre and silicon that nourishes the body and reduces the effects of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
• Polyphenols: Polyphenol is present in both wine and beer, but in more amounts, it is available in a glass of wine than in a beer. Polyphenol helps dilate the blood vessels, reduce cardiovascular diseases, and prevent lipoprotein oxidation.
• Antioxidants: Beer and wine contain antioxidants that help overcome harmful molecules (free radicals). Free radicals are associated with various lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.
• Prebiotics: A beer contains prebiotics that improves gut health by producing good bacteria.

Calories in Beer vs Wine

A glass of beer has around 50% more calories than a glass of wine. This increased calorie count in beer is majorly due to carbohydrates and alcohol content in the drink. The calories present in a beer are empty calories as they do not have the desired nutrients required for the smooth functioning of the body. In addition, the body converts the carbs consumed from a beer into sugar and stores it as fat. Thus, considering this customer concern, many beer manufacturers are coming up with light or low-carb beers. This is a great option for beer lovers who are health conscious as well. However, compared to beer, wine has fewer calories, particularly white wine has a lower level of calories than red wine.

Benefits of Beer vs Wine

Beer and wine have some health benefits that other alcoholic beverages don’t. Beer improves bone density and also helps reduce the risk of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Whereas a wine, especially red wine, is high in tannin, protecting an individual from heart diseases. Thus, wine has an edge when considering the health benefits between wine and beer. A glass of wine helps rejuvenate the body and reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Nutrient Components of Beer

• Fibre
• Protein
• Vitamin B
• Niacin
• Folate

Nutrient Components of Wine

• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Copper.

Mechanism of Action

Moderate consumption of beer reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease, heart attack, and atherosclerosis by around 50%. Additionally, moderate drinkers also have a low risk of developing diabetes and also ulcers caused due to bacteria.

Consuming a glass of wine prevents heart problems such as hardening arteries, chest pain, stroke, heart attack, and others. In addition, a glass of wine also improves cognitive function, lowers the risk of developing diabetes, and reduces the risk of digestive tract infection.

Bottomline

Both beer and wine have their own benefits, but when considering the health benefits, wine leads the race owing to its health benefits. However, a wine or a beer is a better option only when consumed in a moderate volume by a healthy person.

FAQs

What is moderate drinking?

Drinking alcohol is a moderate range i.e. limiting the consumption to 2 drinks or less in a day. Consumption of alcohol in less quantity is more good for health than more.

What are the health issues caused by excessive alcohol consumption?

Excessive drinking may lead to various health problems such as chronic diseases, alcohol use disorders, inability to conceive, and others.