Enjoying a nightly glass of wine is a common way to relax and unwind. The soothing qualities of a Merlot or Chardonnay can help take the edge off a challenging day, while the diverse flavors of different wines can complement your dinner perfectly. However, if you’ve ever pondered the impact of your daily wine habit on your health, you’re not alone. While experts once touted the numerous health benefits, especially of red wine, recent research has shed light on the more nuanced effects of daily wine consumption.
As ongoing research continues to dissect the pros and cons of daily wine consumption, one fundamental truth remains clear: the amount you drink matters. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, moderate drinking equates to two drinks or fewer per day for men and one drink or fewer per day for women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines “heavy drinking” as consuming eight drinks or more per week for women and 15 drinks or more for men. Exceeding these limits significantly increases the likelihood of harm outweighing the benefits.
In essence, the effects of wine consumption hinge on the quantity consumed. Assuming you keep your wine intake within moderate limits, here’s what you can anticipate from your daily dose of vino.
You’ll increase your alcohol tolerance
Regardless of the type of alcohol you prefer, regular consumption can lead to an increase in tolerance, which means you’ll need more of the drink to achieve the same effects. This adaptation occurs because the receptors in your brain gradually adjust to the impact of alcohol.
While increased alcohol tolerance might seem advantageous at first glance, like preventing embarrassing situations or late-night pool escapades, it can have unintended consequences. Even if you don’t feel it, alcohol is still causing physical harm to your cells, and it continues to impair your judgment and reaction time.
Additionally, the risk of excessive drinking to reach the accustomed level of intoxication becomes much higher.
You could increase your risk of certain cancers
Alcohol finds itself among a group of foods and beverages that are associated with an elevated risk of certain cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is robust scientific consensus that heightened alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of developing cancers in various parts of the body, including the head, neck, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. Surprisingly, even individuals who consume no more than one drink a day may be raising their risk. If you’re someone who enjoys a nightly glass of wine, this information is certainly sobering, both figuratively and literally.
You might be less stressed (or it might increase your stress)
It’s not uncommon to turn to wine as a way to alleviate stress, and it turns out there may be some validity to this choice, particularly with red wine. Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol, which has been shown to inhibit the brain enzymes responsible for anxiety and depression-related behaviors, potentially helping to reduce mental and emotional stress. If you can enjoy a nightly glass of wine while engaging in meaningful conversations with your spouse or a friend, it may further enhance its stress-reducing benefits, as social interaction is a known stress reliever.
However, it’s important to note that other research has found that increased alcohol consumption can lead to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress can be a precarious path to follow. If you find yourself consistently relying on wine to escape from your troubles, it’s advisable to seek healthier ways to manage and alleviate stress.
You might gain weight
Wine is not devoid of calories. A typical 5-ounce glass of wine, whether red or white, contains approximately 120 to 125 calories. Consuming these calories daily can lead to weight gain over time.
Furthermore, your body has a tendency to prioritize burning calories from alcohol ahead of those from macronutrients. This preference means that calories from these nutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats, may be more readily stored as fat when alcohol is in the equation. If you’re looking to manage your weight without forgoing wine altogether, you might consider exploring strategies to achieve your weight loss goals while still indulging in the occasional drink.
Your heart health could improve
The potential stress-reducing benefits of moderate wine consumption offer more than just relaxation after a taxing day; they may also contribute to improved heart health. A study conducted in 2023 found that moderate alcohol consumption led to a reduction in stress signaling within the amygdala, a response associated with a lowered risk of heart disease. This recent research aligns with decades of other studies suggesting that moderate consumption of red wine could have protective effects on the heart.