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Is Drinking Red Wine Really Good for Your Health?

image of the hands of three people toasting with red wine

Is Drinking Red Wine Really Good for Your Health? 

If you're a red wine drinker, it would be convenient if drinking red wine is good for your health. We often link healthy choices with deprivation, and many people seem to enjoy drinking red wine. 

Perhaps you've heard that drinking red wine is heart healthy or equivalent to a cardio workout. You might be wondering if drinking red wine is really good for your health? 

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Where does the claim that red wine is good for your health come from?

Part of the reason red wine is considered good for your health is because of the antioxidant effects of the polyphenol resveratrol from grape skins. 

Resveratol is central to the belief that drinking red wine is heart healthy and life extending (Cleveland Clinic). Red wine could also increase "good cholesterol," prevent artery damage and thin the blood to prevent clot formation (Mayo Clinic).

If it sounds too good to be true, that's because it might be. This correlation has not been adequately studied and confirmed in humans.Many variables could account for improved health, even if drinking red wine is part of the overall picture. Several sources including the Cleveland Clinic highlight "The French Paradox."

The French tend to consume quite a bit of red wine and have lower incidence of heart disease. But French people also have healthier eating habits, exercise more, and lower rates of obesity and diabetes. 

There's not enough evidence that drinking alcohol is good for your health, and medical professionals would not recommend drinking alcohol for your health. 

So if red wine is NOT good for your health, is red wine bad for your health?

It depends. It's nuanced and relative to your personal medical history and risk factors for certain medical conditions. If you must imbibe, aim for moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages including red wine. 

See the chart below for what counts as a drink. Moderate consumption is considered one drink or less per day for women, and two drinks or less per day for men (nih.gov). 

What counts as a drink chart (alcoholic beverages)

Consider a measured wine bottle pourer, measuring cup, measuring wine goblet (smaller quantities seem most accurate) or kitchen scale to help monitor consumption.

Drinking any amount of alcohol can lead to impaired judgment and delayed reflexes, making operating heavy machinery including driving a car dangerous and potentially deadly. Alcohol consumption can also cause difficulty sleeping. 

Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of alcohol use disorder, liver disease, depression and certain cancers including breast and colorectal cancer (healthline.com). 

Summary

There is a fine line between potential benefits and risks of drinking red wine and other alcoholic beverages. Any perceived benefits are not backed by sound scientific evidence, and healthcare professionals would not recommend drinking alcohol to improve your health. Consuming alcohol can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. 

When it comes to the red wine consumption debate, you must consider your personal medical history and risk factors for various diseases. Pay attention to the effects red wine and other alcoholic beverages have on YOU. Consume alcohol in moderation or not at all to be safe. 



Are you a red wine drinker? Do you prefer dry or sweet wine?





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