Is Red Wine Healthy? Uncorking the Truth Behind Your Favorite Drink

Brenda Peralta |

Sep 10, 2024

Image of a marquee sign with the word "wine" in deep red posing the question: Is red wine healthy? We know it's been considered so in the past, but here's what we know now. — There's been a lot of misinformation when it comes to red wine, and most of us want to believe it's healthy. We look to science to answer the question once and for all: Is red wine healthy?Credit: Unsplash

Raise your glass if you’ve ever wondered, “Is red wine healthy?” You’ve probably heard that red wine is a health elixir, but is it really? Or is it more a guilty pleasure?

With claims ranging from antioxidant benefits to heart health, red wine seems to have earned our spots in your evening routines.

While most people (especially the French) stand before the powerful antioxidant benefits of red wine, the World Health Association may not be completely in favor of it, claiming it can jeopardize your heart health, increase the risk of liver disease, cancer, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. 1

So, before you pop that cork (or plan your next wine vacation up the California coast or to a wine estate hotel in Italy), let’s explore the science behind these claims. Here, we are going to determine whether red wine is truly healthy.

The Science Behind Red Wine

a close up of a dark red liquid with bubbles to illustrate the question: is red wine healthy for your heart — *Antioxidants are powerfully good for you, yes? So, does that mean red wine is healthy for your heart?*

Antioxidants and Polyphenols

Ever heard of antioxidants and polyphenols? These fancy-sounding compounds are found in abundance in red wine. They are essentially the bodyguards of your cells, protecting them from damage.

One of the most talked-about polyphenols in red wine is resveratrol, which has been linked to several health benefits, such as boosting longevity (who doesn’t want to live longer?) and improving brain function. ^{2, 3}

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Combating Inflammation

Inflammation may sound like something that only happens when you sprain an ankle, but chronic inflammation is a sneaky player in many diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

Resveratrol and other polyphenols in red wine have anti-inflammatory properties that could help keep this harmful inflammation at bay. ⁴This means that your evening glass could potentially be acting as a mini firefighter, putting out inflammation-related flames in your body.

Resveratrol and Heart Health

Now, about that resveratrol. It’s like the Beyoncé of polyphenols. It steals the spotlight for its health benefits. Some evidence suggests that resveratrol can promote heart health by improving endothelial function (that’s the inner lining of your blood vessels) and reducing bad cholesterol levels. ⁵

In the end, a healthier endothelium means better blood flow and a lower risk of heart disease. And who doesn’t want a heart that’s as strong as a marathon runner’s?

However, new findings from the JAMA Network Open may state otherwise. ⁶The findings suggest that moderate alcohol intake may help protect your heart. But wait, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns! The study also highlighted that habitual heavy drinking could put your heart health at risk.

Let’s dive deeper into this topic.

Is Red Wine Good For Your Heart?

The term “French Paradox” refers to the observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of heart disease despite having a diet rich in saturated fats. Some researchers attribute this to their regular consumption of red wine.

However, it’s essential to approach this with a grain of salt or perhaps a dash of skepticism. While some research supports the heart-health benefits of red wine, other studies argue that you can achieve the same benefit through a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.⁷ (Or maybe combine the two with our watermelon red wine sangria recipe.)

In fact, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend prioritizing the consumption of fruits and vegetables over red wine. Even if you consume it in moderation, the alcohol molecule is still “toxic” to the body and can still increase the risk of other diseases (like stroke). ^{8, 9}

Other studies have shown that drinking one glass of alcohol a day can increase the risk of high blood pressure. ¹⁰

So, now that we know the good and the bad. Is drinking red wine good for your heart?

Currently, the results are still mixed. Some show significant benefits, while others find minimal to no impact. It’s clear that more research is needed to make definitive conclusions.

By the way, if you have any questions about anything in this article or something we didn’t cover, please ask away in the comment section below!

The Link Between Alcohol and Inflammation: A Bit of a Sticky Situation

Image of an overhead view of a glass of red wine healthy for your heart, or is it? What does science and research point to? — *Can red wine be considered healthy if it inflames the body?* – Credit: Unsplash

Alright! We’ve talked about how resveratrol can help reduce inflammation. But what about the alcohol molecule?

When the body degrades the alcohol molecule, it leaves behind some byproducts that the body doesn’t like, especially when consumed in large quantities. Excessive drinking can lead to chronic inflammation, especially in the gut, which is basically your body screaming for help.¹¹

What Do I Do Now?

Moderation is the golden rule when it comes to red wine consumption. Let’s get clear on what “moderate” means. For women, it’s up to one glass per day, and for men, it’s up to two. A glass typically means 5 ounces. Exceeding these amounts can tilt the balance from beneficial to harmful.

Everybody’s body reacts differently to alcohol, and individual health factors play a significant role. People with certain medical conditions, like liver disease and certain types of cancer, should avoid alcohol altogether. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine what’s best for you.

Tips For a Healthy Relationship with Red Wine

Alternate with non-alcoholic beverages. Stay hydrated and reduce overall alcohol intake by alternating between red wine and water (or other non-alcoholic drinks).
Don’t drink for health benefits alone. If you don’t already drink, don’t start just for the health benefits. There are plenty of other ways to stay healthy.
Enjoy with meals. Drinking wine with food can slow the absorption rate of alcohol and make a more enjoyable experience.
Don’t use wine as a way to destress. While it can be tempting, don’t use wine as your escape. Search for other ways to channel your stress, such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.

Alternatives for Non-Drinkers

Image of empty non-alcoholic red wine bottles and empty wine glasses with a purple background. Is red wine good for your heart? What about non-alcoholic red wine? — *Non-alcoholic red wine can be ideal if you’re concerned about the health repercussions of drinking red wine.* – Credit: Unsplash

If you want to get the health benefits of wine, there are other ways that won’t provide the unwanted health risks of alcohol.

Non-alcoholic red wine offers a great alternative. These beverages retain many of the beneficial compounds you can find in traditional red wine but without the alcohol content. You can enjoy the taste and health benefits without the associated risks (like liver disease).

Another excellent alternative is pure grape juice, which contains many of the same antioxidants as red wine. Choose 100% grape juice with no added sugars to maximize health benefits.

And, if you want to switch things up from grapes, there are plenty of alternatives rich in antioxidants. Green tea, pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice are all great choices to boost your antioxidant content.

Is Red Wine Healthy? Final Words

Red wine can be a delightful addition to a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation. For most people, this means having a glass of wine every now and then. Its rich array of antioxidants, particularly resveratrol, offers potential health benefits. When you do reach for a bottle, consider buying certified organic.

However, it’s important to balance these benefits against the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.

For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives that offer similar health benefits. But remember, if you DO want a glass of wine, once in a while in moderation, it’s ok.