Medically Reviewed:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Ray Hamilton, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Last Updated: June 2, 2025
For years, the idea that a glass of red wine a day is good for you has made its way into everyday health advice. But is drinking wine healthy—really? Or are we overlooking the risks behind the ritual?
Whether you’re curious about how much red wine is healthy to drink or you’ve noticed your daily wine drinking turning into more than just one glass, this article breaks down the facts. From wine alcohol effects to long-term health risks, here’s what to know.
The belief that red wine is a heart-healthy choice mostly comes from the 1990s, when researchers studied French diets. Despite eating a lot of fatty foods, the French had lower risk of heart disease. This became known as the “French Paradox,” and red wine was often credited for the difference.
Red wine contains resveratrol, a plant compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It sounds great in theory—but you’d need to drink wine in large quantities to get any meaningful benefit from resveratrol. And drinking that much wine? That introduces its own serious risk factors.
Some health guidelines say moderate drinking—a glass of red wine a day for women and up to two glasses of wine a day for men—may be okay. But in practice, home pours are often much larger than the standard 5-ounce glass used in studies. That means your moderate wine consumption could actually be more than you realize.
Daily wine drinking, even in moderate amounts, can increase the risk of:
In other words: How bad is wine for you? It may be worse than you think when it becomes part of your nightly routine.
You’ve probably heard that red wine is good for your heart health. That’s because of its antioxidant content, including resveratrol, which may reduce inflammation and promote better circulation.
However, those health benefits are mild at best—and they’re not unique to wine. You can get similar or better results from eating grapes, berries, or dark chocolate. Plus, you avoid the downsides that come with alcoholic drinks.
So if you’re drinking for your heart, you’re better off choosing foods with antioxidants and adding regular exercise to your routine instead.
For many people, drinking wine starts as a relaxing treat. But what happens when that one glass of red wine becomes three glasses most nights? This shift can signal a problem.
Binge drinking doesn’t always involve wild parties or heavy drinking sessions. Even pouring several large glasses of wine at home while cooking or watching TV can qualify. Despite its reputation as a “classy” or “safe” alcoholic beverage, wine still carries the risk of leading to alcohol use disorder, just like other types of alcohol.
If you find yourself relying on wine to ease stress, fall asleep, or numb emotions, it’s important to reflect. Ask yourself: Am I still choosing to drink wine, or do I feel like I need it? Recognizing these risk factors early is key to preventing long-term health consequences.
When you drink wine, your body reacts to the alcohol in several immediate ways. These short-term effects can affect your daily functioning and overall well-being. Common short-term wine alcohol effects include:
Though these effects are often temporary, frequent episodes can add up and impact your health over time.
Over time, regular wine consumption can lead to serious long-term effects, including:
While red wine contains small amounts of antioxidants, it isn’t a safer choice than other types of alcohol. Relying on wine to relax or fall asleep can turn into a daily habit with bigger health consequences.
It’s easy to dismiss concerns about wine because it’s so normalized. But if you’re feeling off—physically, emotionally, or socially—it could be your body’s way of telling you something. Even if you’re “just” drinking wine, the risks are real.
Common red flags include:
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And there’s no shame in reevaluating your relationship with alcohol.
Reducing or stopping wine consumption can lead to significant improvements in both your physical and mental health. Even cutting back by a glass or two each week can make a noticeable difference over time.
By cutting back or quitting wine, you create space to build healthier routines and habits, boosting your overall well-being. If you’re ready to make a change, support is available to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re concerned that your wine drinking may be becoming a problem, professional help can provide the support you need to regain control. At Scottsdale Detox, we offer comprehensive, medically supervised treatment tailored to your individual journey.
Our treatment approach includes:
We’re committed to guiding you through every step toward recovery and lasting wellness. Reach out today to learn more about how we can support you.
Wondering is drinking wine healthy? While a glass of red wine now and then may seem harmless, regular or daily wine drinking can increase the risk of liver disease, breast cancers, and long-term emotional strain.
If you’re questioning how much red wine is healthy to drink, or noticing a growing reliance on wine, you’re not alone—and it’s okay to seek help.
At Scottsdale Detox, we offer compassionate, medically supported care to help you reset and recover. Call us at (480) 646-7660 or email contact@scottsdaleazdetox.com to take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.
