Amidst recent reports on alcohol and cancer risk, we've already confirmed that, sadly, wine is not a health food. But that's not to say many of us have given up the occasional glass or two of vinoa, which leads to the next question: Between red wine and white, is there a healthier choice?

While headlines often tout the supposed heart benefits of wine, the reality is more nuanced. We spoke with Dr. Madaiah Revana, a cardiologist and CEO of Revana Vineyards. to unpack the science behind wine’s health claims and whether one type truly offers an edge over the other.

Red wine has often been thought of as "healthy" or "good" for the heart. While alcohol consumption has risks, red might seem to have a slight edge when compared to white. This is because the making of red wine involves grape skins, which contain antioxidants like resveratrol.

"Because of this extended contact with the grape skins, red wines tend to contain higher concentrations of these beneficial compounds—but levels of antioxidants depend on a variety of factors, including grape variety and vineyard elevation," says Dr. Revana.

In general, he says red wine is higher in antioxidants that may support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation, and also has polyphenols, which may improve cholesterol and blood vessel function. White wine, on the other hand, has fewer antioxidants, but can still have some polyphenols that he says may benefit digestion and immune support.

When it comes to varieties of red wine, Dr. Revana says pinot noir has the highest levels of resveratrol, while cabernet sauvignon has higher tannins, and malbec is "rich in robust polyphenols."

It's worth noting that recent large-scale studies and meta-analyses have found no significant difference in overall cancer risk between red and white wine drinkers. Meanwhile, a new study just this month explored a link between drinking champagne (and white wines) and a decreased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Now, what about sugar content? Dr. Revana says that the difference is "generally minimal," especially for dry styles. He says most dry red wines contain less than 1 gram of residual sugar per 5-ounce glass, compared to 1 to 2 grams in dry white wines. Sweeter white wines, such as moscato and dessert wines, can have much higher sugar levels. Revana says they can contain up to 10 grams of sugar per glass.

"For health-conscious individuals, the key is to look for dry wines, regardless of color, and to be mindful of serving size," he says.

Ultimately, the sugar difference between dry red and dry white wines is minimal. While it's possible your bottle of red wine might have more health properties than a bottle of white, it's important to keep in mind these benefits just aren't significant when it comes to a glass or two of wine. Previously, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor for Garage Gym Reviews, told us that "the actual benefit is small, and you'd have to drink far more than is healthy to get a therapeutic dose."

Alcohol consumption has its health risks, full stop. When comparing red wine and wine, there might theoretically be more health benefits in red—but that edge is negligible.

"It is entirely possible to enjoy wine in moderation and live a healthy life, and there are potential health benefits associated with drinking wine in moderation," says Dr. Revana. "As a cardiologist, I personally enjoy savoring a glass or two of wine mindfully—taking time to appreciate it slowly, always accompanying it with water and food, and ensuring I consume it several hours before bedtime to preserve sleep quality."