Red Wine: To Drink or Not to Drink

February is National Heart Health Month…Can red wine help your heart?

The Thought

Many years of research has touted the pros and cons of consuming alcohol, especially regarding heart health. New research has given insight into what the link between red wine and a healthy heart might be, but the real question is, “To drink or not to drink.”

The Research

Antioxidants, such as flavonoids, are generally thought to be one of the main components in red wine that promote heart health. Resveratrol has gotten the most fame for its suspected role, but studies have yet to confirm a heart-protective effect. Resveratrol is thought to help decrease inflammation and prevent blood platelets from sticking together, thus reducing blood clot formation. This, in theory, would decrease the risk for stroke. Resveratrol, among many other antioxidants, is also found in whole plant foods and juices, like cranberries and red grape juice. The jury is still out, however, regarding whether these foods or juices may be equally as helpful in protecting the heart as red wine or other alcohol.

Studies have also shown that alcohol consumption, in moderate amounts, may help slightly raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol, prevent artery damage from high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce blood clot formation. Studies have not concluded, however, that red wine is the only form of alcohol that can provide such benefits.

The Recommendation

The bottom line with alcohol consumption is moderation. Just because red wine is potentially helpful to heart health, more is not better! In fact, too much alcohol can cause triglyceride levels and weight to increase. Increased risk for high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and breast cancer are just a few other problems related to excessive alcohol consumption. Moderate alcohol consumption is no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Remember, one drink is not equal to whatever will fit in your glass! One drink is: 12 ounces beer, 4 ounces wine, 1.5 ounces 80-proof spirits or 1 ounce 100-proof spirits.

It is also important to note that the American Heart Association does not recommend that you start drinking alcohol for heart-protective reasons if you do not generally consume alcohol. Remember, nothing is a cure-all or substitute for healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight! Certain health conditions and medications may contraindicate alcohol consumption. Check with your doctor about whether it is safe for you to drink alcohol.

If you have a question for the dietitian, visit www.texashealth.org/askamy

References

American Heart Association. Alcohol, wine and cardiovascular disease. Available at:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4422. Accessed December 9, 2009.
Ferreira M & Weems M. Alcohol Consumption by Aging Adults in the United States:
Health Benefits and Detriments. Jour Amer Diet Assoc. October 2008; 108: 1668-1676.
Mayo Clinic Staff. Red wine and reseveratrol: Good for your heart? Available at:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/red-wine/HB00089/NSECTIONGROUP=2. Accessed,
December 9, 2009.
Peregrin T. Wine- A Drink to Your Health?. Jour Amer Diet Assoc. July 2005; 105: 1053-1054.

Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD
Registered Dietitian
Ben Hogan Sports Therapy Institute
Executive Health Program