People have been drinking wine for thousands of years, and the benefits of doing so have been well documented 1. Emerging research continues to suggest that drinking wine in moderation — about a glass per day — offers several benefits. This article explains everything you need to know about the health benefits of drinking wine, which type is healthiest, and its potential downsides. There are many antioxidant-rich foods and beverages, and wine is one of them.
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cellular damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a condition caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and unstable molecules called free radicals, which can damage your cells 2.
Grapes have high levels of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation 3. Because red wine grapes are higher in antioxidants than white grape varieties, drinking red wine may increase your blood antioxidant levels to a greater extent than drinking white 4. In fact, one 2-week study in 40 adults found that consuming Higher antioxidant status is associated with a decreased risk of disease. Chronic inflammation is harmful and may increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers.
Chronic inflammation can be reduced through diet , stress reduction, and exercise. Studies suggest that a compound called resveratrol in wine has anti-inflammatory properties and may benefit health 5 , 6. One study in 4, adults demonstrated that moderate consumption of wine was linked to a reduced inflammatory response 7.
Participants in this study self-reported their alcohol intake. Those who consumed up to 1. A study in 87 adults of an average age of 50 found that drinking 5 ounces ml of red wine daily caused only slight reductions in inflammatory markers compared with abstaining from alcohol 9. Although the research is promising, more studies are needed to better understand the anti-inflammatory benefits of wine. Studies show that individuals who consume moderate amounts of wine have reduced rates of heart disease Some research suggests that drinking red wine may reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart disease Yet, other studies suggest that a daily glass of red wine does not reduce blood pressure in people with normal blood pressure or those who already have heart disease Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption may have negative effects on heart health, including increased blood pressure and a higher risk of developing heart disease Whether moderate wine intake benefits heart health is up for debate as research in this area continues Some research suggests that drinking wine in moderation provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that may improve your gut bacteria and boost your heart health, mental health, and longevity.
However, most research has focused on red wine. Many people wonder about the differences between red and white wine. Unfortunately, more research on white wine is needed, as most studies analyzing the benefits of drinking wine has focused on the beneficial properties of red wine. Red wine has been widely acknowledged for its high concentration of resveratrol , a potent antioxidant found in grape skins 23 , In fact, red wine has up to 10 times more resveratrol than white wine 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 be more healthful than drinking wine. People may need to drink a lot of red wine to get enough resveratrol to have an effect, which could do more harm than good.
That said, when choosing between alcoholic beverages, red wine may be more healthful than some others. Many studies through the years have shown a positive link between moderate red wine drinking and good heart health.
Recently, a 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. Other factors may play a role. For example, people who drink red wine in moderation may also follow a more healthful lifestyle or a Mediterranean diet.
They also point out that excess alcohol can directly harm the heart. A study reports that polyphenols from red wine and grapes can improve the gut microbiota , contributing to a healthy gut. According to research , red wine compounds may also act as prebiotics , which are compounds that boost healthy gut bacteria. In , researchers suggested red wine could reduce the risk of heart disease through its effects on the gut microbiome.
However, the research is limited, and doctors need more evidence before understanding the true effects of red wine on gut health. The scientists believe that the ethanol in wine plays a crucial role in metabolizing glucose and that the nonalcoholic ingredients may also contribute.
They call for more research to confirm the findings. In , scientists reported that red wine compounds called procyanidins help keep the blood vessels healthy. Many people find an alcoholic drink relaxes them, but results published in indicate that nonalcoholic red wine, too, can reduce blood pressure. This could be a more healthful option. It is important, however, to note that drinking too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure and arrhythmia , or an irregular heart rhythm.
A review reports that resveratrol may 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. Resveratrol may also help prevent vision loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, according to research.
Many forms of age-related eye conditions that cause vision loss involve these factors, including:. Some research says that drinking red wine in moderation could reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, the National Cancer Institute say there is strong evidence that drinking alcohol can cause certain cancers, especially 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 National Cancer Institute links alcohol use with a range of 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, however, link moderate red wine intake with reduced risk or better outcomes in cancer. The following sections look at specific studies into red wine and particular types of cancer. Alcohol increases estrogen in the body, a chemical that encourages the growth of cancer cells. However, a study says that the aromatase inhibitors AIs in red wine — and to a lesser extent, white wine — may reduce estrogen levels and increase testosterone in females approaching menopause.
The researchers say that this may be why red wine is less associated with increased breast cancer risk than other types of alcohol. A review reports that resveratrol has protective effects against cancer in both human and laboratory studies. Made by crushing and fermenting dark-colored grapes, red wine has been studied for many years and is thought to have a slew of health benefits when consumed in moderation, of course.
We've broken down some of the potential benefits of red wine, including the latest research and everything you should know before reaching for more vino.
Boost your health with the Mediterranean diet made effortless by the Good Housekeeping test kitchen! 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. In fact, the American Institute for Cancer Research says that the less you drink, the lower your risk for cancer and advises to not drink at all if you want to take a proactive approach to cancer prevention.
Not to mention that liquid calories can really add up when drinking any type of alcohol, which can lead to weight gain.
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