Is Wine Actually Good for You? Benefits and Risks

Nutrient	Red Wine	White Wine
Calories	125	121
Total Carbohydrates	4 g	4 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0 g
Total Sugar	1 g	1 g
Protein	0 g	0 g
Total Fat	0 g	0 g
Sodium	6 mg	7 mg
Alcohol, Ethyl	16 g	15 g

While red wine and white wine have similar nutrition profiles and alcohol contents, red wine has more antioxidants—the compounds responsible for most of its health benefits. 

“Red wine has potent antioxidants, such as resveratrol, which have been shown to improve heart health by reducing oxidative stress in the body,” says Gould. It also has tannins, which could provide additional benefits, particularly for heart health. “Tannins, found in grape skins and seeds, have antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress and support blood vessel health,” says Michelle Routhenstein, M.S., RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian.

What about if you prefer white wine over red wine? Unfortunately, you won’t get quite as many health-promoting antioxidants. “White wine does have antioxidants, but they are not as strong, so it does not have the same beneficial heart effects as red wine has,” says Gould. 

Risks and Downsides

May Disrupted Your Sleep

Although many people rely on a nighttime drink to wind down before bed, this habit may actually worsen your sleep quality. Research shows that even having just two drinks before bed can disrupt your sleep. Specifically, the study found that drinking alcohol delayed and shortened REM sleep, one of the sleep phases. The more participants consumed, the worse their REM sleep was. REM sleep is essential for consolidating memories, promoting brain function and regulating emotions, among other functions.

Interacts with Your Medications

“Wine can interact with certain medications, leading to adverse effects or reducing their effectiveness,” says Manaker. Some of the medications that can interact with alcohol include the ones used for allergies, anxiety, epilepsy, arthritis, ADHD, depression, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep issues and much more.

“It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional about any potential interactions,” advises Manaker.

May Increase Your Risk of Cancer

Alcohol is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. “Excessive or long-term consumption of alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of various types of cancer,” says Manaker. This includes oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, liver, colorectal and breast cancers.

May Cause Alcohol Dependence

“Regular or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol-related problems, including addiction, liver damage, and increased risk of certain cancers,” says Manaker. 

Risk factors for developing alcohol dependence or misuse include drinking before the age of 15, genetics or a family history of alcohol problems and mental health conditions or a history of trauma.

Might Increase Your Risk of Heart Health Issues

While some studies show moderate wine consumption is generally safe and might benefit your heart health, the same is not true for excessive alcohol intake. “Heavy drinking raises blood pressure, increases triglycerides, promotes inflammation and can cause arrhythmias, all of which elevate the risk of heart disease and stroke,” says Routhenstein. 

Should You Be Drinking Wine for Better Health?

Enjoying a glass of wine (AKA drinking in moderation) can be a part of a healthy eating pattern, but don’t feel like you need to start drinking wine if you aren’t already doing so to reap these benefits. Sure, drinking red wine could provide some health benefits. Still, many other foods provide the same benefits—think antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, olive oil, spices and vegetables—without facing the same health risks. 

The Bottom Line

Red wine is one of the most enjoyed alcoholic beverages around the world. And it’s known to be high in polyphenols—a type of antioxidants that may lessen your risk of heart disease and might support your brain. However, these potential benefits don’t justify starting if you don’t drink wine. There are plenty of other drinks and foods with these same benefits that don’t come with the risks of drinking alcohol, which include liver damage, sleep disruptions and alcohol dependence.