Is Drinking a Daily Glass of Wine Healthy?
Wine is one of the most versatile and beloved alcoholic beverages in the world, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to how healthy or unhealthy it can be. There’s an abundance of opinions out there on whether you should drink wine every day, but which ones hold true? Here, we’ll look at some of the main arguments that advocate drinking wine daily and weigh them against those that argue against drinking wine more than once per week. Let’s begin with a quick look at what makes wine so great to begin with!
The Pros
Yes, drinking an occasional glass or two of wine can be healthy. If you drink moderately (two glasses daily) you’ll have more to look forward to in life and may get several health benefits. One study found that moderate drinkers were less likely to die from any cause than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers. Moderate drinking is also linked with lower risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and depression. Plus, moderate drinking is known to reduce stress levels and promote socialization. And contrary to popular belief, alcohol doesn’t dehydrate you. In fact, if anything it has a mild diuretic effect; it causes your body to produce urine so that water levels remain normal. Despite these potential advantages, studies find that people who drink regularly enjoy many other long-term health benefits as well. People who consume one or two drinks per day are less likely to develop cancer and live longer lives when compared to their non-drinking counterparts. Experts say their findings are due not only to changes in lifestyle but also because most of these people ate better foods than those who don’t drink at all.
The Cons
Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to a number of negative health conditions, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. Additionally, daily consumption can lead to alcoholism. A healthy adult can have no more than 2 drinks in a day and up to 14 per week. If you drink more than that (or if you’re at risk for alcoholism), talk with your doctor about healthier alternatives for stress relief. Alcoholism is caused by both physical and psychological factors. The physical aspect lies in your body’s reaction to excessive amounts of ethanol—the kind found in alcoholic beverages—which includes confusion, depression, anxiety, tremors or shaking when not intoxicated. Psychological causes stem from genetics, peer pressure, family issues, mental illness and trauma. Regardless of where you struggle with drinking habits or how it affects your life, remember it’s never too late to get help. You may need support from friends and family members as well as treatment from an expert team of healthcare professionals who will help keep you on track toward recovery.
The Verdict
While daily drinking is generally not recommended, one glass a day can be healthy. It all depends on how much wine you consume and what kind you’re drinking. Red wine has antioxidant properties, and because it’s high in antioxidants, it can help protect your heart and boost blood flow to your brain while lowering your risk for cancer. Though white wine contains fewer antioxidants than red wine, some research suggests that drinking two glasses a day may also have cardiovascular benefits. However, excessive alcohol consumption—no matter if it’s red or white—is never considered healthy. The healthiest option is moderation: have a few drinks on occasion without going overboard. Cheers!
