Health Benefits of Red Wine

Medically reviewed by Maggie Moon, MS, RDMedically reviewed by Maggie Moon, MS, RD

A beverage enjoyed worldwide, red wine contains substances that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease, hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers. While excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to your health, research suggests that light to moderate consumption of wine might actually be beneficial for you.

Red wine is a complex mixture of water, alcohol, acids, carbohydrates, minerals, and a wide range of antioxidants, including aromatic compounds and polyphenols. These antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules that can damage your cells. Amongst its polyphenols, resveratrol stands out for its potential heart-protective benefits.

This powerful compound and other polyphenols are also found in various other foods, including walnuts, tangerines, sweet potatoes, and peaches. Therefore, there is no need to start drinking red wine solely for its antioxidant content and other health benefits if you do not already consume alcohol.

May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

There are more than 200 polyphenols in red wine, including resveratrol, catechins, flavonols, procyanidins, and anthocyanins. While resveratrol may be considered the most effective in heart disease prevention, these compounds likely have a synergistic effect in promoting better health outcomes. This means each specific polyphenol of the grape may enhance the health benefits of other compounds.

Polyphenols in red wine may protect the heart by neutralizing harmful reactive substances in the body. As potent antioxidants, they can reduce LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) oxidation, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Additionally, some studies suggest that red wine, in moderation, can also boost HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) levels.

Wine’s higher antioxidant content compared to other alcoholic beverages might explain why moderate red wine consumption along with a plant-rich dietary plan (such as the Mediterranean diet) may contribute to lower heart disease death rates.

Can Lower Blood Pressure

Evidence regarding the effects of red wine on blood pressure is mixed. This is because excessive alcohol consumption is linked to high blood pressure (BP). However, certain compounds in red wine may have a beneficial effect on endothelial function, which is related to how smoothly your blood flows.

Studies suggest that the polyphenols in wine might increase levels of cells in the blood that help repair and protect blood vessels. This effect is likely due to a boost in a compound called nitric oxide, which may increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.

A recent study on men with diabetes revealed that moderate consumption of red wine (as part of a Mediterranean diet) might temporarily reduce blood pressure in some people. However, further research is needed since this study focused solely on people assigned male at birth with diabetes. The effects of red wine on BP can also be influenced by how red wine is consumed, the timing of blood pressure measurements, and an individual's tolerance to alcohol.

Could Help Prevent H. Pylori

Red wine might help protect your stomach from harmful bacteria due to its flavonoids. Flavonoids are types of polyphenols that have antibacterial properties. They may also counteract the damaging effects of alcohol on the stomach lining.

Some research suggests that the flavonoids in red wine may even protect against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), bacteria in the stomach that may lead to infections and ulcers. H. pylori is sometimes linked to stomach cancer.

Furthermore, red wine’s diversity of polyphenols not only protects your cells, but they may also act as probiotics (healthy bacteria that promote digestive health). As such, these polyphenols may be beneficial for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases in the intestine. While these benefits are promising, further research is necessary.

Might Protect Against Certain Cancers

Research suggests that polyphenols may offer protective benefits against metastatic cancers—or, cancers that spread from one organ to another. Specific types of polyphenols, such as resveratrol, quercetin, and lignans, have estrogenic properties and may protect against hormonal and esophageal cancers.

Red wine is rich in resveratrol and comprised of various other polyphenols that have been associated with a lower risk of other cancers, including prostate and stomach cancer. However, because high alcohol intake is linked to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases, it is advised to consume red wine in moderation.

Shows Evidence of Supporting Brain Health

Polyphenols in grape products such as red wine may have the potential to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. These compounds can enter the brain to protect your brain cells, reduce oxidative stress, and lower inflammation in the brain. They might also play a role in boosting memory and cognition.

Quercitin, in particular, is a potent antioxidant that may effectively remove free radicals that exert oxidative stress (which can cause cell damage) on the brain. As red wine is an alcoholic beverage, more studies are still needed to assess the benefits versus risks of red wine on brain health and overall function.

Has Potential to Manage Blood Sugar Control

Light to moderate red wine consumption, within the framework of a Mediterranean diet, may be protective against heart disease. This might be due to the effects of its antioxidants on blood sugar regulation, which supports a healthy heart.

One study showed that a moderate intake of red wine (30 grams of alcohol per day, or about a shot's glass worth) in addition to dealcoholized red wine might decrease insulin resistance in people assigned male at birth at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance is a condition linked to diabetes in which the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, which can lead to an imbalance of blood sugar and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Another study involving adults over 60 years old revealed that people who consumed moderate amounts of red wine had significantly lower blood sugar levels than research participants who did not drink moderate amounts of red wine. However, it's important to note that individual alcohol tolerance and dietary habits vary. As such, the results of these studies may not be universally conclusive.

Nutritional Facts

Below is the nutritional information for one serving (5 ounces) of red wine:

• Calories: 125

• Fat: 0 grams (g)

• Sodium: 5.88 milligrams (mg)

• Carbohydrates: 3.84 g

• Fiber: 0 g

• Total sugars: 0.911 g

• Protein: 0.103 g

• Alchohol, ethyl: 15.6 g

• Water: 127 g

• Potassium: 187 mg, 3.9% of your daily value (DV)

• Riboflavin: 0.046mg, 3.5% of your DV

• Vitamin B6: 0.084 mg, 6.5% of your DV

Though notable for its high antioxidant concentrations, red wine contains minimal amounts of other heart-healthy nutrients, including potassium and some B vitamins. However, the amounts of its polyphenols and micronutrients can vary depending on factors such as the type of grape(s), fermentation time, and wine aging process.

Dietary guidelines recommend limiting alcohol to one drink per day for people assigned female at birth and two drinks or less per day for people assigned male at birth on days when alcohol is consumed. For those who do not currently drink alcohol, starting to drink red wine solely for its potential heart benefits is not recommended, despite its antioxidant properties.

Risks of Drinking Red Wine

About 10% of the general population may experience some kind of allergic reaction or sensitivity after drinking wine. Symptoms can range from a stuffy nose and sneezing to asthma or severe anaphylaxis. Some people may also experience flushing and skin irritation after drinking wine.

Various components in wine—such as proteins from grapes, yeasts, molds, or additives (like sulfites) can trigger reactions. For instance, the histamines in red wine may cause headaches in some people. Additionally, researchers suggest that higher levels of catechins and anthocyanins in red wines might also contribute to migraine.

Medications Not to Mix with Red Wine

As an alcoholic beverage, red wine can interfere with your medications. People over 65 have an increased risk of medication interactions due to more common use of medications and age-related health concerns.

Alcohol can enhance the effects of the medication, especially those that act upon the central nervous system (e.g., increasing the sedative effects of a tranquilizer). In some cases, wine can also interfere with the metabolism of the medication. Since the same liver enzymes metabolize both alcohol and medications, alcohol can impact how effectively your body processes and responds to the medication. As such, it might increase the side effects of your medicine or reduce its effectiveness.

Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking any alcohol, including red wine, if you are taking antibiotics, pain relievers, antidepressants, sedatives, muscle relaxants, opiates, warfarin, cholesterol and blood pressure drugs, or various other medications. For more information if drinking red wine in moderation is OK to do, it's a good idea to contact your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

A Quick Review

Red wine is made of polyphenols, including resveratrol, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and related conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Moderate consumption of red wine, especially alongside a Mediterranean diet, can be beneficial for your health. However, if you don't currently drink, it's not recommended to start drinking red wine solely for its antioxidant effects, as other high-antioxidant foods can offer similar benefits.

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