Is it healthy to drink wine every day? Experts weigh
We have been drinking wine for thousands of years. It is produced and consumed in almost all regions of the world, each with their own grape varieties, customs and traditions. Wine, especially red wine, has become venerated for its potential health benefits.
Over the years, many studies have been published on antioxidant properties and benefits for wine health. In general, consensus seemed that a glass or two wine per day is correct, otherwise healthy. But more and more research has started to say the opposite on alcohol. Earlier this year, US Surgeon General published an opinion on the link between alcohol and at least seven types of cancer, including breast cancers, liver, colon and esophagus.
So what is the result of wine?
Is it healthy to drink wine every day?
Although wine in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle, the product itself is not exactly a health food. “There have been generalized claims in the media for decades that drinking a glass of wine daily is beneficial for heart health. However, these claims should be approached with caution, ”explains Michelle Routhenstein, MS, DR, CDN, a dietitization of preventive cardiology in fully food.com.
It is true that wine contains polyphenols (a group of plant compounds which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) which can contribute to important body functions. “Resveratrol, specifically found in the skin of red grapes, has been sought for its possible role in reducing LDL cholesterol and prevention of blood clotting,” explains Routhenstein.
Although these antioxidants can help alleviate inflammation and protect your cardiovascular system, wine is not the most effective source for them. Routhenstein tells us that the quantity of antioxidants in wine can vary, especially between red and white wine. There is also a good chance that they are oxidized and less bioavailable when you pay a drink.
“So far, there is no research that shows a direct link between better heart health and drinking alcohol,” adds Kailey Proctor, MPH, RDN, CSO, a dietitian registered certified on the board of directors of the city of Hope County in Irvine, California. “And it is important to note that all alcoholic drinks – including red and white wine, beer and alcohol – are linked to the risk of cancer.”
In the end, no quantity of antioxidants can cancel the potential damage from alcohol consumption. Excessive and heavy consumption in particular has major risks for health, ranging from liver problems to heart disease to several types of cancers.
“What is happening when you drink is that your body metabolizes alcohol in a chemical called acetaldehyde, which is classified as carcinogen,” explains Proctor. “Acetaldehyde can damage DNA and contribute to the formation of tumors as well as cellular and liver damage.”
How many wine should we drink?
The CDC defines moderate alcohol consumption as up to two drinks per day for men and up to a drink for women. And with regard to wine specifically, a portion is five liquid ounces. But Proctor says that there is no scientifically established amount when it comes to drinking alcohol. “”
Even moderate routine consumption can possibly have an impact on the health and weight of your heart. “Regular consumption of alcohol can also lead to problems of tolerance, dependence and liver function, which could increase the risk of alcohol -related liver diseases over time,” said Routhenstein.
We assume a certain degree of risk during the consumption of alcohol – without what the amount. “The reality is to drink less, it is better for your health, but not to drink at all is preferable for your health,” explains Proctor.
This does not mean that you must necessarily give up wine entirely. However, it is important to consider the potential health risks when you choose to drink it. “Although the moderate consumption of a glass of wine, two to three times a week, causes damage, relying on wine for health benefits is not advised,” adds Routhenstein. However, it should be noted that even the consumption of less than one drink per week is associated with an increased risk of 16% of breast cancer in women and an increased risk of cancers related to alcohol in men, according to the advice of the American surgeon.
Delivering a glass from time to time is not necessarily harmful, but calling the wine A health food is at best misleading. It is better to get your antioxidants directly from the source. The whole grapes contain the same polyphenols as wine, and they have also added fibers that can help your digestive system.
Skill: Tiktok trends, drinks, pop culture
Education: Ba in journalism and BS in communications from Nyu, diploma in culinary arts of the Institute of Culinary Education
On me: As a deputy editor -in -chief at Delish, Gabby works on everything, from features to revenue to the content of our social networks. Before joining the team, she wrote for starch Rising Stars Magazine, Mashed and Food52. When she does not develop cocktail recipes, she prepares cocktail inspiration dishes like and. Its features cover online trends as, classify everything to and answer some of your most urgent food security issues. You can also find its publication content on Delish Tiktok, including it about cooking like the influencer Nara Smith who collected more combined views. She likes to eat spicy foods, collect cooking books and add a mountain of parmesan to any dish she can.
As a contributing writer and former deputy editor -in -chief, at Delish, Allie is a writer, journalist and producer of functionalities at the intersection of food and culture. Before Delish, Allie worked for publications, including apartments therapy and initiate. She even spent time working in restaurants and breweries. Allie plunged to the dumpster in New York to exhibit food waste, reported on the invasive lion fish that you can eat and wrote on the growing trend of weeds. Its health and nutrition stories on the culture of hydration, bananas and coffee generated nearly 2 million combined views. She likes to travel, run and eat her way through new places and even has a thorough Google Maps classification system for its favorite restaurants and bars! When she does not write about food, she plans her next trip, lifts it up or training for a race. Skill: food and culture (sustainability, health, travel) Education: MS in journalism from Columbia University, BS in Information Sciences (Design of User Experience) of the University of Michigan
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