Is a daily glass of wine healthy? Red wine health benefits and recommended limits
Learn about the health benefits of red wine and whether a daily glass is good for you. Discover the recommended daily limit for alcohol consumption to maintain good health.
This article focuses on red wine, as it is the subject of most research on potential health benefits.
Are there health benefits to drinking red wine?
Many patients believe that having a glass of red wine each day is beneficial. But is this really the case?
There is some evidence suggesting that moderate consumption of red wine—equivalent to about one glass a day, averaged over the week—can be part of a healthy lifestyle, particularly due to its potential benefits for heart health. However, this doesn’t mean it’s beneficial for everyone, and the key is moderation.
Small amounts of alcohol may help reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as lower the odds of stroke and type 2 diabetes. However, heavy drinking can have serious health consequences, including liver cirrhosis, heart and brain damage, and an increased risk of cancers such as those of the breast and colon.
For those who don’t currently drink, there is no recommendation to start drinking for the sake of potential health benefits.
What are the recommended alcohol limits?
If a patient chooses to drink, it’s essential to advise them to stay within recommended limits. The current guidelines suggest:
- No more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over at least 3 days.
- Daily limit: Ideally, limit consumption to no more than 2 units a day.
For reference, 14 units roughly equates to 6 medium (175ml) glasses of wine or 6 pints of 4% beer per week. There is no level of drinking that is completely risk-free, but adhering to these guidelines helps to lower the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.
Potential health benefits of red wine
Research suggests that moderate amounts of red wine may provide some health benefits, primarily due to compounds such as antioxidants. However, it’s crucial to emphasise moderation and caution. For some patients, the risks of (potentially heavy) drinking may outweigh any potential benefits.
Ultimately, the best advice for patients is to drink within safe limits if they choose to consume alcohol, and to seek other proven methods of improving their health, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.
Other resources
There is more information on the NHS website on how to drink less and the longterm effects of alcohol.
