Red wine has long had a heart-healthy reputation, but new research says the story is more complicated, and more sobering, than that.

Liudmila Chernetska | DiarioAS

Food and drink

The truth about whether drinking a glass of wine a day is good for your health or not: experts clarify

Calum Roche

Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.

Update: Apr 21st, 2025 12:26 EDT

For years, sipping a glass of red wine a day felt almost virtuous. You’ve probably heard the claims: wine, particularly red, contains antioxidants, helps your heart, and might even help you live longer. If you, like me, enjoy the plonk of a cork, the glug of the pour, and the intoxicating game of aromas and flavors, then it’s easier to ignore any research that suggests otherwise. But I suppose it’s sensible to know the truth...

Indeed, a growing body of science is starting to uncork a less rosy reality. So is wine actually good for your health, or have we been clinking glasses to a myth?

Research on wine and heart health

Let’s start with the part you’ve likely heard before. Red wine contains polyphenols, especially resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape skins. These compounds might help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular function. But - and this is a big but - the actual health benefits are a lot harder to pin down.

In an interview with Elle magazine, Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietitian specializing in preventive cardiology, gave her view.

“There have been widespread 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.”

She explains that the antioxidant levels in wine vary widely, and once they’re in your glass, their effectiveness drops.

Yes, red wine has antioxidants. So do blueberries, leafy greens, and actual grapes – without the alcohol, which brings its own baggage.

“While moderate consumption of one glass of wine, two to three times per week, is unlikely to cause harm,” Routhenstein continues, “relying on wine for health benefits is not advisable.”

So, while maybe less fun, you’re better off eating the grapes than fermenting them.

Wine, cancer, and the risk you might not know you’re taking

Here’s the more sobering part. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, even light drinking is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. Alcohol is converted in your body into acetaldehyde, a carcinogen that can damage DNA. And while the risk increases with more alcohol, there is no known safe amount. That includes your so-called healthy daily glass.

In fact, consuming less than one drink per week still comes with a 16% increased risk of breast cancer for women. Men aren’t off the hook either – there’s a 10% higher risk of alcohol-related cancers even at low levels.

‘Alcohol is directly responsible for approximately 75,000 new cancer cases and nearly 19,000 cancer-related deaths annually in the United States,’ reads the statement.

Should I stop drinking wine entirely?

This article is unlikely to stop you from selling your remaining cellar stash and never restocking, or switching from Chardonnay to sparkling water. But experts certainly point to there being no scientifically established safe amount when it comes to alcoholic drinks. That said, occasional, mindful drinking isn’t likely to derail your health, but just don’t treat it like a health supplement.

If you’re drinking wine for your heart, try something else

There are obvious ways for you to support your cardiovascular health without pouring a cabernet. Eat more fiber, for example. Move your body. Get enough sleep. And if antioxidants are your thing, stick with fruits and vegetables, which don’t come with a warning label.