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We can take comfort in the thought that red wine is considered a ‘healthier’ alcoholic drink. But is red wine (in moderation) really healthy, as some studies suggest? Or is that just wishful thinking ?
Is red wine healthy?
“Alcohol – and therefore also alcoholic drinks, including red wine – is not good for us,” says Dr. Federica Amati, nutritionist, medical scientist and author of Recipes for a Better Menopause . Alcohol is a cancer-causing neurotoxin that causes inflammation, so any intake is worse than none at all, the nutritionist explains. However, the reason red wine is associated with health has everything to do with its polyphenol content. “Red wine has a high content of polyphenols. These are healthy plant substances that counteract some of the negative effects of alcohol,” says Dr. Amati. “It is also usually drunk with meals and with friends or family, and is one of the traditional foods in the Mediterranean diet and the Blue Zone diet.” Plus: it tastes good.
Despite headlines suggesting that red wine may be good for our health, these stories often tend to twist scientific findings to support a clickbait headline. Dr. Amati also says we need to look at population data when researching wine consumption. People who drink red wine often have better diets and lifestyles, making them healthier overall. This does not mean that the red wine itself is healthy, but rather the lifestyle associated with drinking red wine,” she explains.
No form of alcohol is good
So the truth is that no form of alcohol is good for you. “All the benefits of red wine, such as its polyphenol content, can also be found in other foods and supplements,” says Dr. Mark Hyman, physician and functional health expert. “And women suffer even more from the harmful effects of alcohol than men. There are studies that link alcohol consumption to breast cancer. It reduces nutrient absorption and is harmful to your intestines, liver and brain.”
Alcohol is also the enemy of a good night’s sleep, even if you drink it in small amounts. “It may make you feel relaxed to have a glass of wine in the evening, but I think you’ll be surprised at what alcohol does to your body while you sleep,” he adds. “Sleep is when we detox and recover. We don’t need to make it harder by adding alcohol, a toxin, to the mix.”
How much red wine can we drink?
It’s probably not something you want to hear right now, but the answer to this question is: the less, the better. According to Dr. Amati, it’s all about dosage. “A glass of red wine with a meal and in the context of a healthy diet and lifestyle will not have the same negative effect as a bottle of wine drunk on an empty stomach in the context of a less healthy lifestyle,” she says. “For good health, population data suggest that drinking a small glass with a meal may be beneficial.” It’s important to know that if you don’t drink, there’s no evidence that you should start. “It’s more about understanding the benefits and risks of drinking,” says Dr. Amati.
Her recommendation is to drink no more than three or four times a week, with a maximum of one small glass of red wine with a meal on drinking days. As an expert, she only drinks occasionally and emphasizes that alcohol is not a big part of her life. Dr. Hyman agrees, explaining that he treats alcohol the same way he treats sugar. “An occasional drink is fine, but daily can be problematic,” he says. “Stick to one portion, no more than three to four times a week.” And above all, if it doesn’t make you feel good, don’t do it.
About the (bad) red wine hangover…
Do you often suffer from a hangover after drinking (a lot of) red wine? There’s a reason for that. “Congeners, such as tannin and acetaldehyde, are high in red wine and can stimulate the body to release stress hormones, making a hangover even worse,” says Dr. Amati. If you don’t tolerate red wine well, avoid drinking it – and you may want to avoid other dark, strong drinks as well.
If you don’t want to give up a nice glass of red wine – after all, it is the season – make sure you drink enough water between glasses and enjoy responsibly.
