Red wine has been a part of many cultures for centuries, usually linked with social ceremonies and food traditions. Its rich colour and flavours have made it a favourite among many. But beyond the dinner tables and toasts, there’s been a long-standing debate: can a daily glass of red wine be good for your health?
While red wine has been enjoyed for centuries, modern science has explored its potential health benefits, particularly when consumed in moderation. We spoke to Vidhi Chawla, Founder of FISICO Diet and Aesthetic Clinic in Gurugram, India, who shared insights on whether moderate red wine intake can be beneficial for health.
Wine primarily consists of water, carbohydrates, organic acids, minerals, alcohol, polyphenols, and aromatic compounds. According to a 2018 study, wine contains components that can significantly impact cardiovascular health and certain chronic diseases.
Health Benefits Of Red Wine
Antioxidants and Polyphenols
Red wine is made by fermenting dark-coloured grapes with their skins, which is where most of the goodness comes from. The skins are rich in polyphenols, plant compounds that act as powerful antioxidants.
Grapes, especially red varieties, contain polyphenols like resveratrol, flavonoids, and tannins. These antioxidants neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are responsible for oxidative stress, which is associated with several chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
“Resveratrol, in particular, has garnered significant attention. It may help maintain cardiovascular health by enhancing the working of the inner lining of blood vessels, which could help in preventing blood clots, and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, commonly known as ‘good’ cholesterol,” said Chawla.
Certain studies also show that resveratrol can be anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory. As reported in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, resveratrol may reduce the likelihood of cancer cells replicating and spreading. Another study suggests that resveratrol may interfere with the expression of certain hormones, potentially inhibiting the spread of hormone-dependent cancers.
Beyond resveratrol, other antioxidants found in red wine could also contribute to overall health. These may protect against neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and make the body more responsive to insulin, which may decrease the chance of type 2 diabetes. According to a 2015 study, consuming a glass of red wine with dinner 'modestly reduces cardiometabolic risk' in those with type 2 diabetes and concluded moderate red wine consumption is generally safe.
Also Read: Red Wine Vs White Wine? Which Is Better For Your Health, Or Both Equally Bad Even In Moderation
Red Wine Isn’t a Shortcut to Good Health
It’s easy to look at red wine as a fun way to stay healthy. But in reality, the biggest factors for a long, healthy life are still:
- A balanced, whole-food diet
- Regular physical activity
- Not smoking
- Managing stress well
- Sleeping enough
- Building strong social connections
“If you’re already living a healthy lifestyle, a small glass of red wine now and then might be fine. But drinking wine won’t make up for poor habits. And if you don’t drink already, doctors don’t recommend starting just for potential benefits. You’re better off eating grapes than drinking them fermented,” advised Chawla.
When Red Wine Turns Risky
It’s tempting to focus on the positives, but we can’t ignore the downsides of alcohol, even in wine. Here are some well-known risks of regular or excessive drinking:
- Liver damage: Your liver metabolises alcohol, and with prolonged use, it can become clogged up, resulting in fatty liver or even cirrhosis.
- Increased cancer risk: Drinking alcohol is associated with an increased risk of various cancers, such as breast, liver, throat, and colon cancer, with the risk rising in line with consumption levels.
- Heart problems: While light drinking might help, heavy drinking increases blood pressure, weakens the heart muscle, and raises stroke risk.
- Addiction and dependency: Alcohol can be addictive, especially if you start relying on it to cope with stress or unwind every day.
- Mental health struggles: It can worsen anxiety, depression, and sleep problems over time.
Some people should avoid alcohol completely, like those with a history of addiction, liver disease, heart failure, or pregnant women.
Also Read: Red Wine For Skin And Hair? Here Is Why You Should Try Red Wine For Good Health
Should You Drink Red Wine or Not?
Moderate red wine consumption may have a positive effect on the health of your gut by encouraging a healthier and more diverse gut microbiota, according to some studies. However, the key word here is ‘moderation.’
“Health organisations generally define moderate consumption as up to one 5-ounce glass per day for women and up to two glasses per day for men. Exceeding these limits negates any potential benefits and significantly increases the risk of various health problems, including liver disease, certain cancers, heart damage, and addiction,” shared Chawla.
- If you enjoy it occasionally and stay within the recommended limits, it may offer some mild health benefits, mainly for the heart and gut.
- If you don’t drink, there’s no need to start. You can get the same antioxidants and more from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and tea, without any alcohol-related risks.
- If you’re using red wine as a daily 'health ritual,' it’s worth reflecting on that. Health shouldn’t come with a cork and a side of guilt.
Bottomline
Chawla concluded, “Moderate red wine consumption may offer some health benefits due to its rich antioxidant content, particularly resveratrol. However, these potential advantages must be weighed against the known risks of excessive alcohol intake. If you don't currently drink, starting for potential health benefits is not recommended. For those who do enjoy red wine, moderation is crucial to potentially reap its benefits without incurring the detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is red wine good for you in moderation?
Moderate red wine consumption may offer some health benefits due to its rich antioxidant content, particularly resveratrol. However, these potential advantages must be weighed against the known risks of excessive alcohol intake.
2. How much is red wine in moderation?
Health organisations generally define moderate consumption as up to one 5-ounce glass per day for women and up to two glasses per day for men.
3. Is red wine Good For Your Heart Health?
Resveratrol, found in red wine, may help maintain cardiovascular health by enhancing the working of the inner lining of blood vessels, which could help in preventing blood clots, and raising High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, commonly known as 'good cholesterol'.
4. Is red wine Good For Diabetics?
The antioxidants found in red wine may protect against neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's and make the body more responsive to insulin, which may decrease the chance of type 2 diabetes.