For years, a glass of red wine at dinner has been seen as a little luxury that’s also good for the heart. Almost as an excuse to pour another glass, the notion that a dash of pinot noir or merlot could prevent heart disease became commonplace. However, health professionals and scientists are now reconsidering that narrative. So, is red wine healthy in any quantity? You may be surprised by the most recent research.
The Romance Between Red Wine and Health
The “French paradox”—the notion that French people have lower rates of heart disease despite consuming foods high in fat, allegedly because they regularly drink red wine—has long been associated with red wine. Light to moderate drinking, or one to two drinks per day, may help lower blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease, according to early research, such as one published in Circulation Research in 2012.
The discovery seemed worthy of a toast, and red wine soon gained its reputation as a “healthy indulgence.” However, more recent studies present a far more nuanced picture. According to Samantha Cassetty, RD, a dietitian based in New York and coauthor of Sugar Shock, “there is a lot of evidence now that questions whether any amount of alcohol is truly beneficial.”
What’s in That Glass?
The majority of the “good stuff” in red wine is found in the skins of the dark-skinned grapes that are used to ferment the juice. Red wine’s color and purported health benefits are attributed to compounds such as resveratrol, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidants. Particularly, resveratrol has been researched for its potential to shield blood vessels and the heart.
Although red wine does contain some healthy substances, foods like berries, grapes, and even peanuts are also a great source of antioxidants, without the negative effects of alcohol.
The Health Claims — and What Science Says Now
Heart Health:
Moderate red wine drinkers may have healthier hearts, according to earlier research. More recent research, however, suggests that those “benefits” may actually be the result of lifestyle choices; those who drink in moderation tend to eat healthier, exercise more, and have access to healthcare. However, more recent research indicates that even modest alcohol consumption over time may raise blood pressure and heart risks.
Brain Health:
Moderate wine consumption has been associated in some studies with slower cognitive decline, but when age, diet, and exercise are taken into consideration, other studies have found no discernible benefit.
Longevity:
According to some studies, people who drank less wine lived longer, but only in specific demographics and not generally. The main takeaway is that drinking wine does not ensure a longer lifespan.
Diabetes and Weight:
Red wine may help maintain a healthy weight or even lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to some claims. Experts stress that alcohol’s calories can quickly mount up, but more recent reviews have revealed contradictory findings.
Mood:
Over time, alcohol consumption is associated with increased rates of depression, even though a glass of wine may feel soothing at the time. Therefore, the long-term risk may not be worth the momentary peace.
The Risks Are Clearer Than the Benefits
The dangers of red wine are widely known, but its “benefits” are up for debate. No amount of alcohol is risk-free, according to the World Health Organization. This is the reason:
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Liver Health: Alcohol strains the liver and can lead to inflammation, scarring, and even liver disease over time.
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Blood Pressure: Even moderate drinking may raise blood pressure — a known risk factor for stroke and heart disease.
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Cancer: Alcohol is linked to several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer.
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Weight Gain: With about 125 calories per 5-ounce glass, wine can quietly add up. Many people pour larger servings than they realize, which can lead to unwanted weight gain.
And, of course, drinking can be dangerous for certain groups — including anyone under 21, pregnant people, those on certain medications, or people with a history of alcohol dependency.
So, Should You Skip the Wine Altogether?
Nowadays, most health professionals concur that less is better. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is better for your health to drink less alcohol or none at all. Moderation is key if you already enjoy wine; for women, that means no more than one drink per day, and for men, no more than two. However, even these limits do not ensure safety.
According to Cassetty, “there are far better and safer ways to get the antioxidants — from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and tea — if you’re drinking red wine for them.” Consider this: just because honey or maple syrup contains trace antioxidants, you wouldn’t eat a spoonful of sugar. Red wine follows the same reasoning.
A glass of wine can be part of a social gathering, a relaxing moment, or a pleasant ritual. However, the notion that wine is a “healthy” option is no longer supported by science. While the risks, which range from high blood pressure to cancer, are much more obvious, the potential benefits are minimal and unclear.
If you decide to drink wine, do so with awareness. Keeping it in moderation or replacing that nightly glass with a handful of grapes will benefit your heart (and liver).
