Five of the healthiest wines you can drink in moderation.

Even on a “clean diet” you can drink some red wine.

We’re reading the book Younger by Sara Gottried, MD and learned that chocolate, guacamole and red wine are even included in her younger formula. Given that the holiday season is just starting, we’re sharing some wine buying tips and recommendations from her book.

Biodynamic and organic wines

Biodynamic and organic farming are similar in that neither method uses fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. The difference is that biodynamic farming focuses on the interdependence of the soil from both plants and livestock to reflect the terroir of each farm. Both methods produce an environmentally cleaner grape to start wine production.

Conversely, commercial wines use a number of agrochemicals. One in particular, copper sulfate pentahydrate is reportedly used to remove unpleasant odors caused by sulfur and hydrogen sulfide. According to Dr. Gottried, copper sulfate pentahydrate can cause liver and renal failure.

The health impact surely depends on how much and how often you drink. However, switching to organic wines is a good example of a small change that can have a big health impact over time.

Organic wine brands 

Organic wines are healthier and just as delicious. Just remember that even organic wines need to be consumed in moderation or more specifically, limited to 1-2 glasses per week. Yes, you read that correctly – it’s a per week limit not per day. Drink more and your risk of cancer increases by 13-15%. Best advice, sip rather than drink your wine.

If you live in or are planning a trip to Northern California, add these wineries to your list of places to visit. You can also order wines direct from the winery or call for a list of retailers near you.

• Quivira
• Preston
• Truett Hurst
• Lambert Bridge
• Emiliana Coyam

Five of the healthiest varietals by region

Pinot noir contains the highest concentration of resveratrol, a compound found in red grapes and blueberries that may offer several anti-aging benefits including prevention of type 2 diabetes, health disease and cancer.

Wines from cooler regions typically contain more resveratrol than wines produced in warmer regions. The healthiest varietals by region are:

1. Pinot noir from California or New York
2. Cabernet sauvignon from California or New York
3. Italian Sangiovese
4. Australian Shiraz
5. French Burgundy.

If you’re thinking too late – the damage is done. According to Dr. Gottried, it’s never too late to make healthy changes that will make you feel and look younger.

Cheers to that bit of good news!