Health Benefits of Red Wine

In 1991 Morley Safer hosted a segment on the CBS show “60 Minutes” that changed American drinking habits. Entitled “The French Paradox,” the piece followed up on an earlier study by French scientists, looking into the seeming incongruity of France’s relatively low incidence of heart disease despite a typical diet high in saturated fats. One of the main takeaways of Mr. Safer’s segment was that regular, moderate red wine consumption might provide significant health benefits that contribute to the explanation of the paradox.

That story sparked an increase in red wine consumption in the United States, as well as a continuing series of scientific studies on the possible health benefits of drinking red wine. These have included a closer look at the relevant compounds within red wine, as well as the effects of red wine regarding cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, aging, dementia, depression and more. We’ll take a closer look at each of these. But first, a quick primer on how red wine is made.

How Red Wine Is Produced

Red wine is produced by allowing the juice of red-skinned varieties to stay in contact with those skins during fermentation (this contact sometimes also occurs post-fermentation, a process called extended maceration). This is how red wine gets its color, as well as other compounds including tannins, some acids and others that influence aroma, taste, and texture.

Rich in Antioxidants: Polyphenols in Red Wine

Among powerful plant compounds called polyphenols, which are antioxidants and play a protective and supportive role in the body by reducing oxidative damage, is a potent one called resveratrol. Resveratrol is plentiful in grape skins and, naturally, red wine. Resveratrol has been widely studied, and though there have been some mixed results, there are indications that it might reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad type), help prevent damage to blood vessels and help to prevent blood clots. That alone counts as encouraging news. Let’s take a look at 10 other possible benefits of drinking red wine.

1. Promotes Cardiovascular System Health

Drinking red wine was linked to a lower risk of heart disease in a 2019 study. Since heart disease is a major cause of illness and death in the U.S., this potentially has great significance. The American Heart Association suggests that resveratrol may reduce blood pressure and increase levels of HDL (the good cholesterol). Also, a 2006 study indicates that procyanidins (another compound prevalent in red wine) may have a positive effect on blood vessel health. Though a large number of studies would need to be conducted and analyzed to make conclusive recommendations, there is considerable evidence that drinking red wine is good for the heart—in moderation of course.

2. May Reduce Risk of Cancer

Some research indicates that moderate red wine consumption may reduce the risk of some cancers. Compounds called aromatase inhibitors, found in many types of red wine, could possibly reduce estrogen and increase testosterone levels in women as they approach menopause. This combination may decrease the risk of breast cancer. Resveratrol has been found to limit or prevent tumor growth in lung cancer studies. In addition, a 2019 review suggests that males who drink moderately may have a lower incidence of lethal prostate cancer.

3. Improved Gut Health

A 2018 study indicates the possibility that antioxidants from red wine may help to maintain and even improve the health of gut bacteria, which is helpful not only for digestion but also relates to heart health.

4. Helps Control Type 2 Diabetes

A 2015 study found that ethanol, the type of alcohol in red wine and other alcoholic beverages, plays a positive role in metabolizing glucose. This study was limited in scope but suggests that a glass of red wine with dinner is probably safe.

5. Promotes Brain Health

Resveratrol has been shown to have positive effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death. All of these are thought to offer protection against secondary brain damage after a stroke, as found in a 2015 study.

6. Protects Vision

Resveratrol to the rescue yet again. Those antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may lower the risk of glaucoma and cataracts, among other eye conditions.

7. Reduces Risk of Dementia

Interestingly, a 2018 study found an increased risk of dementia in people who don’t drink wine, with the theory being that polyphenols found in red wine have neuroprotective effects.

8. Can Help Treat Depression

A seven-year study concluding in 2013 concluded that light to moderate wine consumption correlated with lower levels of depression. However, heavy drinking was found to have the opposite effect.

9. Helps to Keep Your Liver Healthy

In 2018 a study revealed that moderate red wine consumption may lower liver fibrosis in some situations. Of course, it is certainly known that high levels of consumption can be harmful to both the liver and pancreas.

10. Increased Lifespan

In 2000 a study reported that men aged from 45-64 who drink moderately have a longer life expectancy than rare or heavy drinkers.

All of the above is some of the good news regarding drinking red wine, now for the caveats.

First of all, in a number of these studies the causality is not necessarily crystal clear. Is drinking red wine directly responsible for these effects, or are other factors in play? For example, wine enjoyment is commonly a part of the healthy Mediterranean diet, which tends to be low in meat and dairy and high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, grains, fish and unsaturated fats like olive oil. So it’s possible that healthy eating habits in general play a part in the positive results seen in these studies.

Secondly, it is worth noting that red wine is not the only source of resveratrol. It is also present in red grapes, grape juice and non-alcoholic wines, as well as in blueberries, cranberries and peanuts.

Furthermore, since ethanol itself has been shown to raise HDL, reduce blood clots and help prevent artery damage caused by LDL, any moderate alcohol consumption is likely to have positive health effects. White wine and other adult beverages do have their place!

Of course, we have to mention the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, whether from red wine or anything else. Obviously drinking and driving is a dangerous combination. Also, heavy drinking can lead to health problems including liver and pancreatic disease, high blood pressure, some cancers, weight gain and depression. Experts recommend that anyone with a personal or family history of alcoholism should refrain from drinking.

So what’s the bottom line? While studies will certainly continue, and more nuanced details will eventually emerge, it seems clear that red wine enjoyment does offer an array of health benefits. The key is moderation, which is typically defined as up to one drink per day for women, and one to two drinks per day for men. So, pour yourself some red wine, and raise a toast to your health!