Can a Glass of Red Wine a Day Keep the Doctor Away?: 10 Benefits of Drinking Red Wine

Reviewed and Updated: June 13th, 2025

Red wine. It seems to be the exception to the rule when we discuss the negative health consequences of drinking alcohol. This idea would fly in the face of our common sense so can it be true?

What is Red Wine, and How is it Made?

Red wine is an alcoholic drink that comes in a vast array of varieties, tastes, and colors, ranging from deep violet to brick red and even brown. Despite these differences, they are all prepared through a process that involves crushing dark-colored grapes and fermenting them.

The French Paradox

Red wine is often connected to a phenomenon called the “French paradox,” which refers to the observation that the French tend to have lower rates of heart disease despite their diets containing high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat. Some believe that red wine has protected the French from the harmful effects these dietary components can cause. However, newer research indicates it’s more likely that the French live healthier overall lifestyles that include more leisure time physical activity and consume more fruits and vegetables especially those high in folate.

The Benefits of Drinking Red Wine

Red Wine Glass

Several scientific studies have linked moderate red wine consumption with a range of potential health benefits. The following are some of the most prominent advantages that red wine has been connected to over years of research.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Grapes, and therefore wines, are rich in various antioxidants, including catechin, proanthocyanidins, epicatechin, and resveratrol. These compounds help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting improved heart health. Resveratrol, in particular, is primarily thought to be the source of several health benefits red wine has been shown to provide when consumed in proper moderation.

2. May Help Lower Bad Cholesterol

Red wines are known for helping to lower levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, LDL) in the body for those who enjoy it in moderate consumption, especially if the wine is a variety made using high-fiber Tempranillo red grapes. Red wine has been linked to increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol -which also lowers LDL levels. Additionally, red wine promotes endothelial function, which overall reduces the risk of coronary artery disease.

3. Heart Health and Anti-aging benefits

The antioxidant polyphenols found in red wines can help prevent blood clots by keeping blood vessels flexible throughout the body. This can provide moderate wine drinkers with some anti-aging benefits to help keep their cardiovascular system acting younger and healthier.

“Look at the vineyard. Before choosing a wine, dig a little deeper to learn about the vineyard that makes the wine. Vineyards located in cool, moist climates produce grapes with larger amounts of resveratrol than those in warm, dry climates.” Adelina Espat

Vineyard

4. May Help in Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Moderate red wine consumption has been linked to lower insulin resistance and a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome in individuals with type 2 diabetes. As stated previously, red wine contains a range of powerful antioxidants, including resveratrol, which can help the body regulate blood sugar levels. However, the one single glass per day that many recommend is relatively low in resveratrol. If you’re looking for the specific health benefits resveratrol provides, you can consider a supplement.

5. The Link Between Red Wine and Cancer

The link is controversial and evidence has been presented both for and against this, but it is worth mentioning. While red wine’s polyphenols can be beneficial, the alcohol in wine is a significant risk factor for cancer. This is due to the damage in DNA caused by ethanol derivative compounds such as acetaldehyde.

6. Seems to Reduce the Severity of Cold and Flu Symptoms

The antioxidants in red wine provide yet another potential health benefit people should know about; treating the symptoms of the common cold and flu. They help protect the body’s cells against the effects of free radicals, which play a significant role in developing colds and other diseases. However, this conclusion is controversial since the alcohol content in wine (when not used in moderation) can further decrease immune cell function. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration the overall health of the individual and weigh the risk against benefits of consuming red wine in moderation.

7. Positive Effects on Brain Health

Research has indicated that another benefit of the antioxidant resveratrol in wines is that it helps keep the brain healthy and memory sharp by preventing the formation of the beta-amyloid protein, which is a crucial component in the buildup of plaque in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Further literature indicates that cognitive decline can also be associated with the rate and amount of lifetime general alcohol consumption; thus, it is worth emphasizing that red wine consumption in moderation is key. It is all based on the amount of red wine and frequency of its consumption, including the lifestyle of the individual.

8. Has Some Positive Effect on Weight Maintenance

Resveratrol also provides the added benefit of helping people manage their weight due to its role in creating piceatannol. This compound reduces the number of fat cells found within the body by fastening to insulin receptors of fat cells, blocking the pathways needed for immature fat cells to grow.

Resveratrol may also reduce inflammation and discourage fat storage in fat cells. Red wine drinkers in the study also noted that they consumed a diet in low processed and red meats and also consumed more fruits and vegetables overall, indicating that red wine consumption can influence weight maintenance not alone but in combination with a healthy diet.

9. Reduces the Risk of Depression

In one study cited by the National Institute of Health with over 5000 participants, it was found the group who consumed two to seven glasses of wine per week reported lower rates of depression even controlling for social and lifestyle factors like smoking, marriage etc. As you’d suspect, there are diminishing returns and heavy drinkers face an even higher risk of depression. Read more about the study here.

10. Positive Effects on the Digestive System

Increasingly, it’s coming to our attention how important the gut microbiome is for our overall health. A study in The Journal Gastroenterology suggests that the consumption of red wine may have a positive effect on the gut’s microbiome. Red wine isn’t the only fermented product that can aid in our gut health though. Other items to consider include kimchi, natto, sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir.

Should You Drink Red Wine?

Pouring wine into glass

For most people, enjoying a glass of red wine a day in proper moderation can be part of a healthy diet (A glass as defined by the studies we’ve mentioned is around 5 oz) . However, official guidelines provided by the U.S. don’t recommend that people start drinking or increase their drinking for any reason, even for the hope of acquiring wine’s various health benefits. Since so many of its benefits are related to its antioxidant contents, specifically resveratrol, eating grapes and taking specialized supplements are the healthier option for those who don’t drink already.

How Much Red Wine Should You Drink?

For those wondering how much red wine is safe to drink or is considered “proper moderation,” the answer is quite simple. Women of all ages should limit themselves to up to one glass of red wine per day, along with men over the age of 65. Men under the age of 65 can safely consume up to two drinks of red wine per day. A “drink” of wine is considered to be 5 ounces, which is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

Warnings on Excessive Alcohol Intake

It’s essential to note that the health benefits of red wine can quickly diminish with overdrinking. The key to acquiring the health benefits that come with drinking red wine is moderation. Excessive drinking can lead to several serious health problems that people should actively try to avoid, including weight gain, liver cirrhosis, and more.

Bottom Line

Red wine may have numerous health benefits if you drink the recommended amount. The compounds which provide these benefits exist in small amounts per glass, but drinking large amounts should still be avoided. If you’re interested in the antioxidant benefits, it might be better to consider eating grapes, other antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables along with supplementation.

* This article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical advice. For immediate health concerns, please consult your physician.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.