Red wine is a staple at holiday celebrations, dinner parties, and nights when you feel too cozy to go outside red wine’s. After all, it’s loaded with notes of cherry, oak, cinnamon, and more that can fill us with that warm feeling we crave when the temperature drops. But does red wine have any health benefits?
While red wine, like other alcoholic drinks, can make you feel better, it’s just as bad for your physical health as other alcoholic drinks, says osteopathic physician Dr. Joseph Mercola. “While red wine contains antioxidant compounds, they don’t outweigh the health risks associated with alcohol,” he explains. But how did red wine’s reputation as the healthiest alcoholic drink come about? Is there any truth to it? Read on to find out what doctors say about this widely held belief.
The History of Red Wine’s Healthy Reputation
Dr. Mercola says the history of red wine’s healthy reputation began in the late 20th century. The idea “largely arose from the observation of the ‘French paradox’ in the 1980s, when researchers noticed that the French had lower rates of heart disease despite a high-fat diet,” he explains. ”
They suggested that red wine consumption might be protective; “This led to decades of research focusing on compounds in red wine, particularly resveratrol.” These findings eventually became oversimplified and exaggerated, hence red wine’s current reputation.
The Health Risks of Drinking Red Wine
“Recent research shows that there is no safe amount of alcohol,” says Dr. Mercola. “Even small amounts increase the risk of cancer and cause DNA damage red wine’s.” That’s because ethanol, the clear, colorless liquid found in alcohol, poses a host of health risks when ingested.
Becomes a carcinogen
Carcinogens are cancer-causing chemicals commonly found in alcoholic beverages. When ethanol enters the bloodstream, it is converted to acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen red wine’s.
Alters neurotransmitters
Even when consumed briefly, alcohol has a profound effect on our neurotransmitters (which help determine our mood). Because alcohol is a depressant, drinking it causes an imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. So, although you may feel alert after a few drinks, your cognitive function is experiencing the opposite effect.
Increases inflammation
You’ve probably heard that alcohol can worsen inflammation, especially when consumed in large quantities red wine’s. Drinking alcohol can cause inflammation in your gut and skin tissue; because red wine is a vasodilator, it can be particularly inflammatory, opening up blood vessels and causing your skin to become flushed.
Reduces Sleep Quality
While a few glasses of red wine may initially help you fall asleep, they can ruin the quality of your sleep red wine’s. Drinking too much before bed can impair REM sleep and make sleep problems worse.
Impairs Liver Function
You’ve probably heard about the damage alcohol can do to your liver, but there’s a reason why it’s so talked about. Frequent drinking can increase fat accumulation, inflammation, and scarring, which can lead to life-threatening liver disease.
Is There a Safe Way to Drink Alcohol?
While any amount of alcohol can be harmful, learning to drink mindfully and consume less is an easy way to decrease your health risks red wine’s.
If you choose red wine for its widespread health benefits, Dr. Mercola suggests “getting these compounds from whole food sources like grapes, berries, and other colorful fruits and vegetables.” These whole foods provide health benefits without the downsides.