Red Wine: Good or Bad? (2024)

The health benefits of red wine have been debated for some time.

Many believe that a glass each day is a valuable part of a healthy diet, while others think wine is somewhat overrated.

Studies have repeatedly shown that moderate red wine consumption seems to lower the risk of several diseases, including heart disease.

However, there is a fine line between moderate and excessive intake.

This article takes a detailed look at red wine and its health effects.

What Is Red Wine and How Is It Made?

Red wine is made by crushing and fermenting dark-colored, whole grapes.

There are many types of red wine, which vary in taste and color. Common varieties include Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Pinot noir and Zinfandel.

The alcohol content usually ranges from 12–15%.

Consuming moderate amounts of red wine has been shown to have health benefits. This is mainly due to its high content of powerful antioxidants.

The alcohol in wine is also believed to contribute some of the benefits of moderate wine consumption (1).

Bottom Line:

Red wine is made by fermenting dark-colored, whole grapes. It is high in antioxidants, and drinking moderate amounts has been shown to be good for health.

The French Paradox

Red wine is often believed to be responsible for the “French paradox.”

This phrase refers to the observation that the French have low rates of heart disease, despite consuming a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol (2).

Some experts believed that red wine was the dietary agent protecting the French population from the harmful effects of these nutrients.

However, new studies have shown that dietary cholesterol and saturated fat do not cause heart disease when consumed in reasonable amounts (3, 4).

The true reason behind the good health of the French is probably the fact that they eat more whole foods and live overall healthier lifestyles.

Bottom Line:

Some people believe that red wine is responsible for the good health of the French population and that it is the main explanation for the French paradox.

Red Wine Contains Powerful Plant Compounds and Antioxidants, Including Resveratrol

Grapes are rich in many antioxidants. These include resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin and proanthocyanidins (5).

These antioxidants, especially resveratrol and proanthocyanidins, are believed to be responsible for the health benefits of red wine.

Proanthocyanidins may reduce oxidative damage in the body. They may also help prevent heart disease and cancer (6, 7, 8).

Resveratrol is found in grape skin. It is produced in some plants, as a response to damage or injury (9).

This antioxidant has been linked with many health benefits, including fighting inflammation and blood clotting, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Resveratrol can also make test animals live longer (10, 11, 12).

However, the resveratrol content of red wine is rather low. You would have to consume several bottles per day to reach the amount used in the animal studies. This is not recommended, for obvious reasons (13, 14).

If you’re drinking wine just for the resveratrol content, then getting it from a supplement may be a better idea.

Bottom Line:

The powerful plant compounds in red wine have been linked with many health benefits, including reduced inflammation, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, and extended lifespan.

Red Wine May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease, Stroke and Early Death

Small amounts of red wine are linked to more health benefits than any other alcoholic beverage (5, 15, 16).

There seems to be a J-shaped curve that explains the relationship between wine intake and the risk of heart disease.

People who drink approximately 150 ml (5 oz) of red wine a day seem to be at about a 32% lower risk than non-drinkers.

However, higher intake increases the risk of heart disease dramatically (14, 17).

Drinking small amounts of red wine may reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to retain the “good” HDL cholesterol in the blood. Oxidative damage and the oxidation of the “bad” LDL cholesterol may also be reduced by up to 50% (18, 19, 20, 21).

Some studies indicate that populations already at a high risk of heart disease, like the elderly, may benefit even more from moderate wine consumption (22).

Furthermore, drinking 1–3 glasses of red wine per day, 3–4 days of the week, may reduce the risk of stroke in middle-aged men (23, 24).

One study also showed that consuming 2–3 glasses of dealcoholized red wine per day may lower blood pressure (25).

Many studies have shown that moderate wine drinkers are at a lower risk of death from heart disease, compared to non-drinkers or beer and spirit drinkers (22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30).

Bottom Line:

Drinking 1–2 glasses of red wine each day may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, high amounts may increase the risk.

Other Health Benefits of Drinking Red Wine

Red wine has been linked with several other health benefits, many of which are attributed to its potent antioxidants.

Red wine consumption is linked to:

  • Reduced risk of cancer: Studies have shown that moderate wine consumption is linked with a decreased risk of several cancers, including colon, basal cell, ovary and prostate cancers (31, 32, 33, 34).
  • Reduced risk of dementia: Drinking 1–3 glasses of wine per day has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (35, 36).
  • Reduced risk of depression: A study of middle aged and elderly people showed that those who drank 2–7 glasses of wine per week were less likely to become depressed (37, 38).
  • Reduced insulin resistance: Drinking 2 glasses per day of regular or dealcoholized red wine for 4 weeks may reduce insulin resistance (39, 40).
  • Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in women: Moderate red wine consumption has been linked with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women (41).

It seems clear that moderate amounts of red wine can be good for you. However, there are also some important negative aspects to consider, which are discussed below.

Bottom Line:

Moderate red wine consumption may reduce the risk of several cancers, dementia and depression. It may also increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women.

Negative Health Effects of Drinking Too Much Alcohol

While a moderate amount of red wine may provide health benefits, consuming too much alcohol can cause devastating health effects.

These include:

  • Alcohol dependence: Drinking alcohol regularly may become out of control and lead to alcoholism (42).
  • Liver cirrhosis: When more then 30 grams of alcohol (about 2–3 glasses of wine) are consumed each day, the risk of developing liver disease increases. End-stage liver disease, called cirrhosis, is life threatening (43).
  • Increased risk of depression: Heavy drinkers are at a much higher risk of depression than moderate or non-drinkers (37, 44).
  • Weight gain: Red wine contains twice the amount of calories as beer and sugary soft drinks. Excessive consumption may therefore contribute to high calorie intake and make you gain weight (45, 46).
  • Increased risk of death and disease: Drinking a lot of wine, even only 1–3 days a week, may increase the risk of diabetes in men. High alcohol intake has also been linked with an increased risk of premature death (21, 41, 47).
Bottom Line:

An excessive intake of alcoholic beverages may cause alcohol dependence, liver cirrhosis and weight gain. It may also increase the risk of depression, disease and premature death.

Should You Drink Red Wine? If Yes, How Much?

If you like drinking red wine, there is no need to worry unless if you are exceeding the recommended amount.

In Europe and America, moderate red wine consumption is considered to be (48, 49):

  • 1–1.5 glasses a day for women.
  • 1–2 glasses a day for men.

Some sources also recommend having 1-2 alcohol-free days each week.

Keep in mind that this refers to total alcohol intake. Drinking this amount of red wine in addition to other alcoholic beverages could easily put you in the range of excessive consumption.

If you have a history of substance abuse, then you should probably avoid wine and any other alcoholic beverage completely. Also be very careful if you have a family history of alcoholism.

Bottom Line:

Moderate intake of red wine is defined as 1-2 glasses per day. It is also recommended that you have at least 1–2 days a week without alcohol.

Take Home Message

Despite red wine being linked with some health benefits, none of them are worthy of encouraging alcohol consumption.

There are many other effective ways to improve your health that don’t require you to consume something that can be harmful (50).

However, if you are already drinking red wine, then there’s no need to stop (unless you’re drinking too much).

As long as you don’t drink more than 1–2 glasses per day, then it should only be doing you good.

Red Wine: Good or Bad? (2024)

FAQs

Is drinking red wine good for health? ›

Research suggests that drinking an occasional glass of red wine is good for you. It provides antioxidants, may promote longevity, and can help protect against heart disease and harmful inflammation, among other benefits. Interestingly, red wine likely has higher levels of antioxidants than white wine.

What are the negative effects of red wine? ›

Larger amounts can cause blackouts, drowsiness, trouble walking, vomiting, and other serious problems. Drinking large amounts of wine long-term can cause many serious health problems including dependence, liver problems, and certain types of cancer.

Is red wine bad for your liver? ›

Alcohol is a common cause of liver disease. However, some contexts link moderate red wine consumption to good liver health. According to a 2018 study , modest alcohol intake, particularly wine, is linked with lower liver fibrosis in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Which is the best time to drink red wine? ›

'For wine tasters, 11am to one pm is the optimum time to actually drink wine because your mouth is drier,' he informed us. 'The saliva that builds up in your mouth throughout the day can dramatically change the taste of wine. It doesn't make it taste worse, just different. '

Is wine better than beer? ›

The nutritional value of beer exceeds that of wine . The values of protein, fiber, B vitamins, folate, and niacin found in beer make it more like food.

Can I drink red wine daily? ›

If you already drink red wine, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means: Up to one drink a day for women of all ages. Up to one drink a day for men older than age 65.

Does red wine damage kidneys? ›

Healthy kidneys work to remove excess waste, toxins, and fluid from your blood. When functioning properly, alcohol is one of the toxins that your kidneys filter from your body. However, alcohol can dehydrate your system, impairing your kidneys' ability to function and maintain the right balance of fluids in your blood.

Is red wine safer than beer? ›

A 1992 study in The Lancet found evidence that drinking wine and other types of alcohol could prevent or reduce arterial blockages. Other research from around that time found that people who drank wine, as opposed to beer, enjoyed lower mortality risks.

Can red wine damage your heart? ›

Benefits from moderate alcohol consumption have been widely supported by the scientific literature and, in this line, red wine intake has been related to a lesser risk for coronary heart disease (CHD).

Is vodka better than wine? ›

For those dieting but still drinking alcohol, vodka is typically the go-to due to its low calories and non-existent carbs. It is considered a much lower calorie alternative to beer and wine.

Is red wine good for blood pressure? ›

Myth: Red wine lowers blood pressure.

Fact: There's no definitive evidence that red wine lowers blood pressure. In fact, alcohol actually raises blood pressure.

Can we mix water in red wine? ›

Don't mix them. Do not pour a little water into your wine at any point. We'd even go so far as to say that you shouldn't put ice in your wine either. And it's also a good idea to fully swallow a sip of wine before you take a sip of water too.

Is red wine OK every night? ›

Too much can be destructive to your health, raising your blood pressure and your risk of developing several kinds of cancer. Too little may hold you back from some of the benefits that moderate drinkers enjoy, like lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, mortality and type-2 diabetes.

What can I mix with red wine? ›

You can experiment with a wide array of fruits and fruit juices. You can try mixing your wine with some orange or pineapple juice or some peach or grapefruit slices. Also, it might be the best time to note that you do not have to stick to one fruit at a time.

Which is healthy alcohol? ›

Red wine, whiskey, tequila, and hard kombucha are healthier options than beer and sugary drinks. The CDC recommends you limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day if you're male and 1 if you're female.

What is the healthiest alcohol? ›

Red Wine. Red wine is widely recognized as one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks out there. Poon notes that it's "relatively low in calories and also offers some health benefits."9 She adds that red wine is rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins and can promote cardiovascular health.

How much red wine is healthy? ›

A 5 ounce glass of red wine (around 150 milliliters) per day with an alcohol content of 12% falls within U.S. guidelines for moderate drinking. The government's 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that men have no more than two drinks a day and women no more than one.

Is red wine good for skin? ›

Brimming with skin-benefiting antioxidants like flavonoids, resveratrol and tannins, red wine fights the signs of ageing by restoring the collagen in the skin. Those who prefer drinking red wine over other spirits will have less prominent wrinkles, fine lines and saggy skin.

Which drink is best for heart? ›

When it comes to heart-healthy drinks, there's none better than water. Our bodies need it. In fact, we're mostly made up of water, including our major organs, such as the heart. Most of the chemical reactions that happen in our cells need water, and it helps our blood carry nutrients around the body.

What type of red wine is healthiest? ›

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is considered the healthiest red wine you can drink. Unlike many of the reds on this list, Pinot grapes have a thin skin, so Pinot Noir has low tannins but high levels of resveratrol.

Who should not take red wine? ›

Increased risk of death and disease: Drinking a lot of wine, even only 1–3 days a week, may increase the risk of diabetes in men. High alcohol intake has also been linked with an increased risk of premature death ( 21 , 41 , 47 ).

Which wine is good for kidneys? ›

Researchers found that certain biomarkers for inflammation dropped 50 percent during the combined consumption of white wine and extra-virgin olive oil in the healthy individuals and 40 to 50 percent in the CKD patients.

What drinks damage the kidney? ›

According to the American Kidney Fund, a recent study suggests that drinking two or more carbonated sodas, diet or regular, each day may increase your risk for chronic kidney disease. Carbonated and energy drinks have both been linked to the formation of kidney stones.

Is red wine worse than vodka? ›

Scientists reported that while both types of alcohol appear to be good for your heart health, they do so in different ways. Red wine relaxes the blood vessels, while vodka increased capillary density, which means more oxygen can be delivered to the blood. Cheers.

Is wine good for diabetes? ›

Research suggests that moderate consumption of red wine could have health benefits for those with type 2 diabetes. A glass of red wine with dinner may help lower glucose levels, reducing the body's need for insulin.

Is there a lot of sugar in red wine? ›

The amount of sugar in a bottle of wine can vary from 4 grams to 220 grams per litre. The lowest sugar wine is red wine. Red wine has the least amount of sugar which is 0.9g per 175ml glass.

Does red wine clean your arteries? ›

In a large meta-analysis study (13 studies, over 200,000 patients) red wine intake reduced atherosclerotic (plaque build-up in the arteries) risk by 37% (2). Beer had a similar but smaller effect, suggesting red wine may have additional benefits beyond the alcohol content (2).

Can red wine cause cholesterol? ›

In moderate amounts, red wine is commonly linked to healthy cholesterol levels. But drinking more hard liquor, beer, mixed drinks, and excess red wine has a negative impact on your cholesterol levels.

Which is better alcohol or wine? ›

Red wine tops the list of healthiest alcoholic beverages, because it contains a good amount of antioxidants from grapes. The alcohol content in wine differs, in case of sparkling wines it is around 10-12%, whereas in case of fortified wines it is around 20%.

Which alcohol is best for winter? ›

Find top mixology tips, reviews of our favourite products and even more triple-tested recipes in our co*cktails & drinks hub.
  1. Spiced apple syrup with clementine & cloves. ...
  2. Mulled wine. ...
  3. Winter whisky sour. ...
  4. Peppermint hot chocolate. ...
  5. Cinnamon buttered rum. ...
  6. Mulled pear & cranberry punch. ...
  7. Mudslide. ...
  8. Winter Pimm's punch.

Does red wine thin your blood? ›

Is it possible? Alcohol can thin your blood, because it prevents blood cells from sticking together and forming clots. This may lower your risk for the type of strokes caused by blockages in blood vessels.

Can wine raise BP? ›

Can excess alcohol affect your blood pressure? Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), your doctor may advise you to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.

What happens if you drink red wine everyday? ›

The American Heart Society warns that, although moderate consumption of red wine may have health benefits, excessive consumption can be detrimental to your health. Liver damage, obesity, certain types of cancer, stroke, cardiomyopathy, are just some of the issues that excessive drinking can contribute to.

Is it OK to drink wine everyday? ›

"What is certain about wine and other types of alcohol is that drinking beyond moderation has clear impacts on a person's health," warns Dr. Septimus. "Regularly drinking more wine than recommended increases a person's risk of developing cancer, liver disease, chronic pancreatitis, sleep disorders and more."

Is red wine the healthiest alcohol? ›

Red wine is widely recognized as one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks out there. Poon notes that it's "relatively low in calories and also offers some health benefits."9 She adds that red wine is rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins and can promote cardiovascular health.

Is red wine full of sugar? ›

The amount of sugar in a bottle of wine can vary from 4 grams to 220 grams per litre. The lowest sugar wine is red wine. Red wine has the least amount of sugar which is 0.9g per 175ml glass.

How much red wine per day is OK? ›

If you already drink red wine, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means: Up to one drink a day for women of all ages. Up to one drink a day for men older than age 65.

Can I drink wine every night? ›

Drinking wine every night can lead to weight gain, decreased immune function, and mental health issues [1]. Additionally, having more than a few drinks daily can affect liver health, resulting in liver damage or liver disease [2].

Is red wine good for your heart? ›

Drinking red wine in moderation has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack. However, a direct cause has not been established. The existing research supporting the health benefits of red wine is not as strong as people might think.

What can I drink instead of wine? ›

What to drink instead of alcohol
  • Soda and fresh lime. Proof that simple is still the best.
  • Berries in iced water. This summery drink will keep you refreshed and revitalised.
  • Kombucha. ...
  • Virgin bloody Mary. ...
  • Virgin Mojito. ...
  • Half soda/half cranberry juice and muddled lime. ...
  • Soda and fresh fruit. ...
  • Mocktails.

Is red wine better than alcohol? ›

Liver Health

A 2015 study on nearly 56,000 participants found that wine consumption was linked to a lower risk of cirrhosis than consumption of beer or spirits. Around the same time, another study linked ellagic acid, an antioxidant commonly found in (you guessed it) red wine, with liver health.

Which is the safest alcohol to drink? ›

Red wine, whiskey, tequila, and hard kombucha are healthier options than beer and sugary drinks. The CDC recommends you limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day if you're male and 1 if you're female.

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