IS WINE PALEO?
The Paleo List Answers: Is wine Paleo?
The question nobody wants to ask, and nobody wants to answer. The fruity grape concoction that native tribes and Romans used to wash down meals is a common favorite among modern-day diners, and is touted as one of the healthier ways to imbibe. We know beer is on the no-no list, but what about our beloved wine? Is it Paleo?
What is Wine?
Simply put, wine is made from grapes. Grapes are grown, pressed, strained, fermented, and aged. Sometimes sugar is added, sometimes other fruits, herbs, and spices are tossed in the mix. Sometimes the barrel in which it is aged is made of steel, other times it is made of oak; sometimes it is aged in both.
Paleo eating is meant to be a healthy way of life. So let’s look at the problems with wine. It contains alcohol, which is linked to liver and kidney failure, and heart disease. It is high in “empty” calories, which can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Vineyards use different pesticides and live cultures to grow the grapes and make the wine, and wine contains sulfites, which may or may not cause headaches or difficulty breathing if you have asthma.
However, let’s dig a little deeper. Alcohol in moderation is not linked to liver or kidney failure, heart disease, obesity, or diabetes. Red wine contains high amounts of antioxidants like resveratrol, and in moderate amounts, is linked to actually lowering the risk of diseases like heart disease. Even white wine has some antioxidants. If you experience problems with sulfites, you can even find a growing number of sulfite-free wines on the market. Organic wine doesn’t actually contain any non-natural ingredients. And small amounts of wine make us feel good, you know, mental and emotional health.
Is Wine Paleo?
Well, we’re pretty sure that cavemen weren’t drinking wine like we do today, but there’s a good chance that they had access to fermented grapes and juices that gave them the feel-good buzz we’ve all come to know and love. Now, that definitely doesn’t mean all wine is created equal, but if you opt for the organic wines near you, than yes, they are Paleo. Maybe it’s not considered part of a strict-Paleo diet, but as Robb Wolf would say, part of the more normal Fifth Shade of Paleo diet.
So yes, you can have your wine and drink it too. Check out this list of the best organic wines on the market and consume in moderation.
Are you struggling with which foods are Paleo? Do you need help planning some Paleo meals? Check out this great Paleo cookbook:
