In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleBenefitsNutritionRisksShould You Drink Wine?FAQs
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In This Article
Benefits
Nutrition
Risks
Should You Drink Wine?
FAQs
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Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages worldwide, and people have been drinking it for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Especially in light of red wine’s place in theMediterranean diet, it has gotten a reputation as the healthiest alcoholic drink. It has, after all, health-promoting antioxidants. But do these benefits justify having a glass of wine on a regular basis?
“Research suggests that moderate wine consumption may offer several potential benefits to overall health. However, it’s important to note that these benefits may vary based on the type of wine consumed, specifically red and white wine,” saysLauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD, CLEC, a Charleston-based registered dietitian. In fact, research has found that red wine may provide more benefits than white wine.
This article dives into the research on drinking red wine to help you decide if the benefits outweigh the risks.
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Potential Health Benefits
May Support Your Heart Health
Might Reduce Inflammation in Your Body
“Red wine has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects,” says Gould. A 2024 study found that drinking red wine may significantly decrease certain markers of inflammation related to atherosclerosis—plaque buildup on the artery walls. Interestingly, this was true for healthy adults but not for people at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.Other studies support the anti-inflammatory benefits of red wine consumption. This effect is also thanks to red wine’s antioxidants, which may help counter oxidative stress that can damage cells and lead to inflammation.
Might Reduce Your Risk of Cognitive Decline
“Some studies suggest that moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, may be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and certain neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease,” says Manaker. For example, a 2024 narrative review found that drinking red wine might help prevent dementia. This is, again, thanks to the antioxidants in red wine, which may help prevent oxidative stress and inflammation.
However, the relationship between wine and cognitive health is still controversial and uncertain, so more research is necessary to confirm this potential benefit.
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Nutrition Facts
According to the USDA, one serving (5 fl oz.) of red and white wine have the following nutrition profiles:
While red wine and white wine have similar nutrition profiles and alcohol contents, red wine has more antioxidants—the compounds responsible for most of its health benefits.
What about if you prefer white wine over red wine? Unfortunately, you won’t get quite as many health-promoting antioxidants. “White wine does have antioxidants, but they are not as strong, so it does not have the same beneficial heart effects as red wine has,” says Gould.
Risks and Downsides
May Disrupt Your Sleep
Although many people rely on a nighttime drink to wind down before bed, this habit may actually worsen your sleep quality. Research shows that even having just two drinks before bed candisrupt your sleep. Specifically, the study found that drinking alcohol delayed and shortened REM sleep, one of the sleep phases. The more alcohol participants consumed, the worse their REM sleep was.REM sleep is essential for consolidating memories, promoting brain function and regulating emotions, among other functions.
Can Interact with Your Medications
“Wine can interact with certain medications, leading to adverse effects or reducing their effectiveness,” says Manaker. Some of the medications that can interact with alcohol include the ones used for allergies, anxiety, epilepsy, arthritis, ADHD, depression, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep issues and much more.
“It’s essential to consult with a health care professional about any potential interactions,” advises Manaker.
May Increase Your Risk of Cancer
May Cause Alcohol Dependence
“Regular or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol-related problems, including addiction, liver damage and increased risk of certain cancers,” says Manaker.
Risk factors for developing alcohol dependence or misuse include drinking before the age of 15, genetics or a family history of alcohol problems and mental health conditions or a history of trauma.
Need Support?If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence, misuse or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Need Support?
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence, misuse or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Might Increase Your Risk of Heart-Health Issues
While some studies show moderate wine consumption is generally safe and might benefit your heart health, the same is not true for excessive alcohol intake. “Heavy drinking raises blood pressure, increases triglycerides, promotes inflammation and can cause arrhythmias, all of which elevate the risk of heart disease and stroke,” says Routhenstein.
Should You Be Drinking Wine for Better Health?
Enjoying a glass of wine (akadrinking in moderation) can be a part of a healthy eating pattern, but don’t feel like you need to start drinking wine if you aren’t already doing so to reap these benefits. Sure, drinking red wine could provide some health benefits. Still, many other foods provide the same benefits—thinkantioxidant-rich foodslike berries, nuts, olive oil, spices and vegetables—without facing the same health risks.
The Bottom Line
Red wine is one of the most enjoyed alcoholic beverages around the world. And it’s known to be high in polyphenols—a type of antioxidants that may lessen your risk of heart disease and might support your brain. However, these potential benefits don’t justify starting if you don’t drink wine. There are plenty of other drinks and foods with these same benefits that don’t come with the risks ofdrinking alcohol, which include liver damage, sleep disruptions and alcohol dependence.
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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhile no form of alcohol should be considered healthy, red wine stands out for its plentiful antioxidants. Research shows that red wine’s resveratrol and other antioxidants may help promote heart health and reduce inflammation when consumed in moderation. However, the benefits don’t outweigh the risks.While red wine might have some potential benefits when enjoyed in moderation, it may also increase your risk of health issues compared to not drinking at all. If you’re looking to improve your health, Manaker recommends focusing on eating a balanced diet, being physically active, getting enough sleep and managing stress.If you don’t have contraindications due to health concerns, it’s OK to drink wine in moderation daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend limiting alcohol to no more than one serving (a 5-ounce glass of wine) per day for women and no more than two servings per day for men.Excessive red wine consumption could promote inflammation in the body and contribute to health issues like liver disease, cardiovascular disease and immune dysfunction, says Routhenstein. While drinking red wine in moderation might potentially reduce inflammation because of its antioxidant content, it still shouldn’t be relied on as an anti-inflammatory food, says Routhenstein.Two 5-ounce glasses of wine per day fall within the health guidelines for men. However, women should limit their intake to one glass of wine per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
While no form of alcohol should be considered healthy, red wine stands out for its plentiful antioxidants. Research shows that red wine’s resveratrol and other antioxidants may help promote heart health and reduce inflammation when consumed in moderation. However, the benefits don’t outweigh the risks.
While red wine might have some potential benefits when enjoyed in moderation, it may also increase your risk of health issues compared to not drinking at all. If you’re looking to improve your health, Manaker recommends focusing on eating a balanced diet, being physically active, getting enough sleep and managing stress.
If you don’t have contraindications due to health concerns, it’s OK to drink wine in moderation daily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend limiting alcohol to no more than one serving (a 5-ounce glass of wine) per day for women and no more than two servings per day for men.
Excessive red wine consumption could promote inflammation in the body and contribute to health issues like liver disease, cardiovascular disease and immune dysfunction, says Routhenstein. While drinking red wine in moderation might potentially reduce inflammation because of its antioxidant content, it still shouldn’t be relied on as an anti-inflammatory food, says Routhenstein.
Two 5-ounce glasses of wine per day fall within the health guidelines for men. However, women should limit their intake to one glass of wine per day.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Liberale L, Bonaventura A, Montecucco F, Dallegri F, Carbone F.Impact of Red Wine Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(19):3542-3566. doi:10.2174/0929867324666170518100606Castaldo L, Narváez A, Izzo L, et al.Red Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Health.Molecules. 2019;24(19):3626. doi:10.3390/molecules24193626Sheng Y, Meng G, Li G, Wang J.Red wine alleviates atherosclerosis-related inflammatory markers in healthy subjects rather than in high cardiovascular risk subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(23):e38229. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000038229Lombardo M, Feraco A, Camajani E, Caprio M, Armani A.Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate.Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1921. doi:10.3390/nu15081921Boccardi V, Tagliafico L, Persia A, et al.The Potential Effects of Red Wine and Its Components on Neurocognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review.Nutrients. 2024;16(20):3431. doi:10.3390/nu16203431USDA FoodData Central.Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, red.USDA FoodData Central.Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, white.Gardiner C, Weakley J, Burke LM, et al.The effect of alcohol on subsequent sleep in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Sleep Med Rev. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2024.102030National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Harmful Interactions.Gapstur SM, Bouvard V, Nethan ST, et al.The IARC perspective on alcohol reduction or cessation and cancer risk.N Engl J Med. 2023;389(26):2486-2494. doi:10.1056/NEJMsr2306723National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol’s Effects on Health.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Moderate Alcohol Use.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Liberale L, Bonaventura A, Montecucco F, Dallegri F, Carbone F.Impact of Red Wine Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(19):3542-3566. doi:10.2174/0929867324666170518100606Castaldo L, Narváez A, Izzo L, et al.Red Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Health.Molecules. 2019;24(19):3626. doi:10.3390/molecules24193626Sheng Y, Meng G, Li G, Wang J.Red wine alleviates atherosclerosis-related inflammatory markers in healthy subjects rather than in high cardiovascular risk subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(23):e38229. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000038229Lombardo M, Feraco A, Camajani E, Caprio M, Armani A.Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate.Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1921. doi:10.3390/nu15081921Boccardi V, Tagliafico L, Persia A, et al.The Potential Effects of Red Wine and Its Components on Neurocognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review.Nutrients. 2024;16(20):3431. doi:10.3390/nu16203431USDA FoodData Central.Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, red.USDA FoodData Central.Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, white.Gardiner C, Weakley J, Burke LM, et al.The effect of alcohol on subsequent sleep in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Sleep Med Rev. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2024.102030National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Harmful Interactions.Gapstur SM, Bouvard V, Nethan ST, et al.The IARC perspective on alcohol reduction or cessation and cancer risk.N Engl J Med. 2023;389(26):2486-2494. doi:10.1056/NEJMsr2306723National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol’s Effects on Health.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Moderate Alcohol Use.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Liberale L, Bonaventura A, Montecucco F, Dallegri F, Carbone F.Impact of Red Wine Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(19):3542-3566. doi:10.2174/0929867324666170518100606Castaldo L, Narváez A, Izzo L, et al.Red Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Health.Molecules. 2019;24(19):3626. doi:10.3390/molecules24193626Sheng Y, Meng G, Li G, Wang J.Red wine alleviates atherosclerosis-related inflammatory markers in healthy subjects rather than in high cardiovascular risk subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(23):e38229. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000038229Lombardo M, Feraco A, Camajani E, Caprio M, Armani A.Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate.Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1921. doi:10.3390/nu15081921Boccardi V, Tagliafico L, Persia A, et al.The Potential Effects of Red Wine and Its Components on Neurocognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review.Nutrients. 2024;16(20):3431. doi:10.3390/nu16203431USDA FoodData Central.Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, red.USDA FoodData Central.Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, white.Gardiner C, Weakley J, Burke LM, et al.The effect of alcohol on subsequent sleep in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Sleep Med Rev. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2024.102030National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Harmful Interactions.Gapstur SM, Bouvard V, Nethan ST, et al.The IARC perspective on alcohol reduction or cessation and cancer risk.N Engl J Med. 2023;389(26):2486-2494. doi:10.1056/NEJMsr2306723National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol’s Effects on Health.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Moderate Alcohol Use.
Liberale L, Bonaventura A, Montecucco F, Dallegri F, Carbone F.Impact of Red Wine Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(19):3542-3566. doi:10.2174/0929867324666170518100606
Castaldo L, Narváez A, Izzo L, et al.Red Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Health.Molecules. 2019;24(19):3626. doi:10.3390/molecules24193626
Sheng Y, Meng G, Li G, Wang J.Red wine alleviates atherosclerosis-related inflammatory markers in healthy subjects rather than in high cardiovascular risk subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(23):e38229. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000038229
Lombardo M, Feraco A, Camajani E, Caprio M, Armani A.Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate.Nutrients. 2023;15(8):1921. doi:10.3390/nu15081921
Boccardi V, Tagliafico L, Persia A, et al.The Potential Effects of Red Wine and Its Components on Neurocognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review.Nutrients. 2024;16(20):3431. doi:10.3390/nu16203431
USDA FoodData Central.Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, red.
USDA FoodData Central.Alcoholic beverage, wine, table, white.
Gardiner C, Weakley J, Burke LM, et al.The effect of alcohol on subsequent sleep in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Sleep Med Rev. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2024.102030
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Harmful Interactions.
Gapstur SM, Bouvard V, Nethan ST, et al.The IARC perspective on alcohol reduction or cessation and cancer risk.N Engl J Med. 2023;389(26):2486-2494. doi:10.1056/NEJMsr2306723
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol’s Effects on Health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Moderate Alcohol Use.
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