The effect of wine on health

Wine and Health

April 4, 2022
Conversations about the influence of wine on the human body have been going on since ancient times. We have studied the latest research and tried to figure out what to expect from one glass. Any research is constantly criticized and questioned. All of them are observational, that is, observational, which often means a high error. So, let's analyze the benefits and harm of alcohol for the human body. 

Cardiovascular system

Coronary heart diseases, which occur due to thickening and narrowing of the arteries, and strokes are the most common causes of death in developed countries. Doctors call smoking, sedentary lifestyle, overweight, high blood pressure and alcohol abuse risk factors for the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

But according to a number of studies, in moderate doses, red wine has a positive effect on blood vessels and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke by 30%. Despite the lack of evidence, some doctors tend to trust their results. How does it work? The so–called bad cholesterol accumulates in the blood - low-density lipoproteins (LDL). It settles on the inner walls of blood vessels, which leads to the formation of plaques and then atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Alcohol stimulates the production of "good" cholesterol – high-density lipoproteins, which significantly neutralize the effect of "bad". The antioxidants contained in wine also prevent the formation of blood clots. By the way, in 2012 it was found out that non-alcoholic red wine also has the effect of lowering blood pressure.

Intestinal disorders

Wine and Health

In 2019, researchers at King's College London found that wine increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microflora. "If you choose one alcoholic drink a day, it is better to give preference to red wine. It has a potentially beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, helps to cope with excess weight and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases," said Dr. Caroline Le Roy. "I emphasize that this is an observational study, and we cannot prove that red wine is the cause of this effect."


A Mediterranean diet with a glass of wine for dinner reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes (insulin–independent) by 30% (according to other data - by 80%). Studies have shown that a glass of red does not affect the blood pressure of diabetics, moreover, it reduces their risk of stroke and heart attack.


Australian scientists have discovered the positive effect of wine on bones and suggested that it can help in the prevention of osteoporosis. Men and women took part in the study, but red wine had the best effect on the male skeleton.

Depression and anxiety

American scientists from the University of Buffalo came to the conclusion that red wine and resveratrol fight mental disorders. The experimental mice were under prolonged stress, because of which their levels of the hormone corticosterone increased and the enzyme PDE4 accumulated in the brain - the cause of depression and anxiety. Resveratrol was added to the food, which suppressed the enzyme and improved the psyche. As a result, depression in mice receded.

Alzheimer's and dementia

A glass of wine after a working day relaxes. According to a University of Rochester study, wine cleanses the brain and removes toxins. Scientists focused on the lymphatic system, which is responsible for cleansing cells and tissues, plays a role in the immune system and metabolism.

Experiments on mice have shown that moderate doses of wine improve the functioning of the lymphatic system and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, that is, cognitive function disorders or, more simply, dementia.

Wine and omega-3

In 2008, new benefits for wine lovers emerged. The IMMIDIET European Center stated that a glass of wine a day increases the level of omega-3 fatty acids, which are also found in fish. The list of advantages of omega-3 inspires respect: stimulating metabolism, improving the condition of the skin and hair, preventing cardiovascular diseases, reducing the level of "bad" cholesterol, regulating blood pressure and fat metabolism, preventing premature aging and much more. There is an effect from beer and other alcoholic beverages, but wine shows the best results.

Male and female

Alcohol acts differently on men and women. There is 20% less water in a woman's body, and the alcohol concentration is always higher even with equal weight. Wine affects women's reproductive system: it reduces the production of estrogens and increases testosterone levels. Some researchers say that wine provokes breast cancer, others - exactly the opposite. They agree on one thing: if you really drink, then red wine!

Studies have shown that one glass a day does not affect a woman's ability to get pregnant, but exceeding the recommended dose reduces the chances by 18%. As for the course of pregnancy, doctors recommend reducing the dose to 1-2 glasses per week or completely giving up wine, especially sparkling wine.

Men are more positive. Polish scientists have found that three glasses a week improve the quality of sperm and reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 12%. However, alcohol in large quantities can cause infertility and dysfunction of the genitals.

Why does wine give you a headache?

The usefulness of wine

One of the most common versions of the headache is an increased amount of sulfites in wine. But it breaks down about the fact that the level of sulfites in dried fruits is also high, and they do not hurt your head. In addition, studies have shown that even after wine without added sulfur, the head can ache with the same success.

Allergy to sulfites was detected in about 0.01% of the world's population. Still, some doctors are not completely sure of their harmlessness. Perhaps it is in combination with alcohol that they can cause headaches.

More likely causes lie in alcohol itself and overdose and the content of histamine and tyramine in wine – strong allergens that increase blood pressure and provoke vascular spasm. Like any other alcohol, wine provokes dehydration of the body, which again entails a headache. This can be avoided with the help of water and moderation.

Drink moderately

A whole summit, founded and sponsored by the Desert Heart Foundation, Renaud Society and WineHealth, is dedicated to the issue of the influence of wine on health. The organizers strive to prove to doctors, journalists and scientists the positive effect of moderate and regular use of wine.

The 2019 summit was held at the University of Davis in California and once again showed that a glass of wine a day increases life expectancy and improves metabolism, acts as a prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive dysfunction. But scientists and doctors have repeatedly stressed that wine should be considered only as part of a lifestyle that includes a Mediterranean diet, sports, maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking. This is the only way a glass of cabernet at dinner can work.