White table wine is not considered a good source of minerals because it contains very low levels of essential minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium. Although there are minute amounts of these minerals in white wine, they don't provide a meaningful nutrition benefit or make it an adequate replacement for food that provides more substantial sources of dietary minerals. Even red wines contain higher concentrations of polyphenols (antioxidants) than whites, but still not enough to offer any significant health benefits. Therefore, while drinking moderate amounts of white table wine may have some potential positive effects, its mineral content is too low to be deemed a good source of minerals.
White table wine is one of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world. It is produced from a variety of white grape varieties, commonly referred to as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Although it contains very little nutrition, it does possess certain minerals that can provide health benefits when consumed in moderation. This paper will explore the different minerals obtained from drinking White table wine with particular focus on how these nutrients may be beneficial for overall health.
Minerals are essential micronutrients that play an important role in our physical and mental well-being (1). They are required for proper growth and development, and their adequate intake is essential for good health. White table wine is not a particularly significant source of minerals but there are several key minerals present which could potentially contribute to overall health.
Calcium is vital for healthy bones and teeth and plays an active role in many functions including muscle contraction and nerve impulse transmission (2). One medium glass (175ml) of White table wine typically provides around 6mg of calcium (3). While this amount by itself might not have any major effect on calcium status, regular low-volume consumption has been suggested to enhance overall dietary calcium intakes (4).
Magnesium is another mineral present in White table wine, albeit at only trace levels. A single glass of White table wine (eg, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) usually contains just about 0.02mg of magnesium – a minor contribution compared with other sources such as nuts or oats (5). Magnesium is implicated in over 300 reactions within the body making it a critical component for many metabolic processes (6). Thus, although the amounts provided by wines may be limited, consuming them regularly could still assist meeting daily requirements.
Potassium is a mineral that helps to regulate blood pressure and heart rate. Studies suggest that individuals consuming moderate amounts of small glasses of White wine per day (4-8gm alcohol /day) had increased potassium intake (7). The same study also demonstrated that 75cl bottles of dry whites provide around 100 mg/l of potassium, while sweeter varieties (egMuscat) provide around 130 mg/l. This equates to approximately 6-9mg per 175ml serving of White wine (8).
White table wine also provides modest levels of zinc, manganese and iron. Zinc helps protect against infection, aids wound healing and may support general immunity (9). One glasse (175g) of White wine can contain anywhere from 0.03 to 0.06mg of zinc (10). Similarly, Manganese contributes to bone formation, energy production and antioxidant protection (11). Each 175 ml glass typically contains approximately 0.17mg of Manganese (12). Lastly, Iron is essential for normal red blood cell function. Unlike other minerals discussed above, the presence of Iron in wines varies considerably with smaller amounts present in lighter-bodied styles, e.g. Chablis, and significantly more in fuller bodied styles such as Cabernet Sauvignon – up to almost 4 times higher than average depending on vintage and winemaking style (13). Typically, one glass (175ml) of White table wine would contain approximately 0.07 - 0.08mg of Iron (14).
In conclusion, White table wine holds some minerals that may offer potential benefits to health if consumed moderately. These include Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Manganese and Iron. In terms of wellbeing, drinking White wine in moderation could help people meet their recommended daily allowances for macro and micronutrients whilst providing additional substance for improved cognitive functioning and physical activity. Nevertheless, health authorities advise that its consumption should always follow national alcohol recommendations and mindful of underlying medical conditions prior to partaking.
Calcium | 0.009 grams |
Daily Value 1.3 g
|
Iron | 0.27 mg |
Daily Value 0.018 g
|
Magnesium | 0.01 grams |
Daily Value 0.4 g
|
Phosphorus | 0.018 grams |
Daily Value 1.25 g
|
Potassium | 0.071 grams |
Daily Value 4.7 g
|
Sodium | 0.005 grams |
Daily Value 2.3 g
|
Zinc | 0.12 mg |
Daily Value 0.011 g
|
Manganese | 0.12 mg |
Daily Value 0.0023 g
|
Selenium | 0.1 ug |
Daily Value 0.055 mg
|
Fluoride | 0.202 mg |
Daily Value 0.004 mg
|