Red wine contains powerful antioxidants, and many sources claim that drinking it may be good for health. However, drinking too much red wine may cause problems.
This article explores the benefits and risks of drinking red wine, including the safe amount to drink for males, females, and different age groups.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Red wine may have health benefits because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating effects.
Red wine, which people make from crushed dark grapes, is a relatively rich source of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant in the skin of grapes.
Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress has clear links with many diseases, including cancers and heart disease.
There are many healthful antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
Whole grapes and berries are better sources of resveratrol than red wine, and because of the health risks linked with drinking alcohol, getting antioxidants from foods is likely to have more health benefits than drinking wine.
People may need to drink a lot of red wine to get enough resveratrol to have an effect. However, this can do more harm than good.
That said, when choosing between alcoholic beverages, red wine may be a better choice than white wine or hard liquor.
The following sections take a closer look at the possible health benefits of red wine.
Learn more about the health benefits and risks of drinking red wine.
Many studies have shown a positive link between moderate red wine drinking and good heart health.
Recently, a 2019 review reported that drinking red wine is linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, which is a leading cause of disease and death in the United States. The authors concluded that red wine might have cardioprotective effects.
However, the American Heart Association (AHA) states that it is unclear if there is a cause-and-effect relationship, and other factors may play a role. For example, people who drink red wine in moderation may also follow a more healthful lifestyle or eat a Mediterranean diet.
The AHA also explains that excess alcohol can directly harm the heart. To stay safe, people should follow official guidelines from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), which define moderate drinking as:
One glass of wine is 5 ounces (oz) of 12% alcohol by volume.
Learn more about cardiovascular health.
A 2018 study reported that red wine and grape polyphenols might improve gut microbiota, contributing to a healthy gut.
This is because red wine polyphenols may also act as prebiotics, which are compounds that boost healthy gut bacteria.
However, the research is limited, and doctors need more evidence before understanding the true effects of red wine on gut health.
Learn how to improve gut health.
One 2015 study has shown that drinking a glass of red wine with dinner “modestly decreases cardiometabolic risk” in people with type 2 diabetes and found that a moderate red wine intake is usually safe.
The scientists believe that the ethanol in wine plays a crucial role in metabolizing glucose and that the nonalcoholic ingredients may also contribute. However, more research is necessary to confirm the findings.
Furthermore, a 2018 meta-analysis found that moderate wine consumption did not reduce glucose parameters and other cardiovascular risk factors among people with type 2 diabetes.
Therefore, anyone with diabetes should check with their doctor before drinking alcohol.
Learn more about diabetes.
According to the AHA, resveratrol may reduce blood pressure and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A 2021 meta-analysis concluded that red wine compounds called procyanidins help keep the blood vessels healthy.
Many people find alcoholic drinks to be relaxing. However, studies published in 2017 and 2021 indicated that grape products and whole red grape juice could also reduce blood pressure. These could be more healthful options.
That being said, it is important to note that drinking too much alcohol can still cause high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or an irregular heart rhythm.
Learn more about high blood pressure.
A 2015 review reported that resveratrol might help protect against secondary brain damage after a stroke or central nervous system injury. This is due to its positive effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death.
A 2018 study found that resveratrol reduced oxidative stress and cell death in rats with traumatic brain injury.
However, both studies demonstrated the effects of resveratrol specifically rather than red wine.
Learn more about a stroke.
Research shows that resveratrol may also help prevent vision loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Many forms of age-related eye conditions that cause vision loss involve these factors, including:
Learn more about vision loss.
While there are research studies indicating that drinking red wine in moderation could reduce the risk of certain cancers, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that there is strong evidence that drinking alcohol can also cause certain cancers, especially if drinking heavily over time.
This is partly because it creates toxins in the body, damages body tissues, and creates oxidation. This means that the potential adverse effects of alcohol may outweigh any benefit from resveratrol.
The NCI links alcohol use with various cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon cancer.
For most people, enjoying red wine in moderation is safe, but it is important to keep in mind that drinking alcohol in excess is harmful.
Some studies link moderate red wine intake with reduced risk or better outcomes in cancer. The following sections look at studies into red wine and particular types of cancer.
Learn more about cancer.
Alcohol increases estrogen in the body, a hormone that can encourage the growth of cancer cells.
However, a 2019 study stated that the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) such as exemestane and anastrozole may be associated with a lower risk of invasive cancer.
Since wine contains these substances, it can follow that drinking wine may help a person reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
However, this is by no means a definitive conclusion. Other research indicates that drinking wine, even in moderate amounts, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Further research into red wine consumption and breast cancer is necessary before scientists can make definitive claims.
Learn more about breast cancer.
A 2017 review found that resveratrol may have protective effects against lung cancer in both human and laboratory studies. The mechanisms include preventing cell proliferation and tumor growth, inducing cell death in cancer cells, and inhibiting metastasis.
However, these effects are from resveratrol rather than red wine itself.
Learn more about lung cancer.
A 2019 study reported that males who drank alcohol had a slightly lower risk of lethal prostate cancer and that red wine had links with a lower risk of progression to lethal disease.
The authors stated that these results mean moderate alcohol consumption might be safe for people with prostate cancer.
Learn more about prostate cancer.
According to a 2018 report, researchers have found an increased risk of dementia in people who abstained from drinking wine.
The authors stated that this might be because of the neuroprotective effects of polyphenols and other compounds in wine that can reduce inflammation and alter the lipid profile in the body.
Learn more about dementia.
Resveratrol may be able to increase the level of serotonin in the brain, which might help reduce the symptoms of depression.
Other compounds contained in wine may help regulate how serotonin transmits within the brain, a mechanism that can malfunction in cases of mood disorders.
However, alcohol might also make depression worse in some cases. A 2021 study on adolescents living with depression found that consuming just 1-2 drinks or less a month or half a drink monthly may be associated with depressive symptoms in adolescents.
In addition, people who misuse alcohol or have alcohol use disorder have a higher risk of developing a mood disorder like depression.
Learn more about depression.
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. This study defined modest alcohol intake as up to 70 grams (g) or less than 2.5 ounces (oz) per week.
That said, the impact of red wine on liver health is complicated. Although it provides antioxidants and reduces oxidative stress, drinking can also increase uric acid and triglycerides, which damages the liver.
Researchers need to complete more studies to determine the complex effects of moderate red wine intake on liver health.
People who currently have liver disease should avoid alcohol altogether.
Learn more about liver disease.
Drinking red wine in moderation may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, as discussed above, so it may help people live longer.
Some research suggests that moderate red wine consumption can increase the expression of longevity-related genes. It may also improve metabolic health.
However, a 2018 review noted that this is likely due to confounding factors, such as diet. For instance, red wine is a common addition to the Mediterranean diet, an eating pattern linked to good health and long life.
Learn more about the calories in wine.
Resveratrol appears to underlie many of the health benefits of red wine.
Red wine contains more resveratrol than white wine, as it is fermented with grape skins, while white wine is not. Most of the resveratrol in grapes is in the seeds and skin.
Learn more about the types of wine.
For many people, enjoying a glass or two of red wine each day can be part of a healthy diet.
However, despite the possible health benefits, drinking excess alcohol can do more harm than good.
Despite any possible benefits, the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans do not recommend that people start drinking or drinking more for any reason.
Ultimately, many of the benefits linked to red wine are due to the beneficial properties of resveratrol. Eating grapes and berries may, therefore, be a more healthful option.
Drinking red wine in moderation may have certain health benefits, including boosting heart, gut, and brain health. This is because it contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-improving effects.
However, drinking alcohol is not safe for everyone, and drinking more than a moderate amount can cause serious health problems. People should speak to their doctor about consuming alcohol safely or limiting their consumption.
A person may experience similar benefits from eating grapes and certain berries instead.
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