Lower risk of diabetes
A large study of current drinkers showed that a moderate intake of alcohol, especially wine, with meals could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The results were not the same for heavy drinking or drinking alcohol without a meal. The association between moderate alcohol consumption and reduced risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes is inconclusive. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of moderate drinking.
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Potential Health Risks Of Red Wine
While some studies have shown the health benefits of drinking red wine, you should weigh the benefits against the risks and keep in mind the dangers of alcohol abuse.
Drinking red wine presents some potential health risks:
Wine allergies
About 10% of the population is at risk of an allergic reaction to wine. Many components of wine can trigger a reaction, including yeast, molds, and sulfites. Even the flavonoids, which make red wine healthy, can cause an intolerance reaction. Red wine is one of the forms of alcohol most likely to cause a reaction in people with asthma.
Excessive drinking
Many people struggle with excessive alcohol consumption. The CDC states that an average of 1 in 6 American adults binge drink. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks on an occasion for women and five or more for men. Many drinkers, especially those who drink heavily, which is defined as eight or more alcoholic drinks in a week in women and 15 or more in men, underreport their alcohol consumption. Hence, the problem may be worse than reports indicate.
Pregnancy concerns
Those who are pregnant should not drink alcohol. This precaution extends to those planning to get pregnant and to those who are breastfeeding. All types of alcohol, including red wine, should be avoided.
Alcohol and gout
People who suffer from gout should not drink at all. Consumption of alcohol, including wine, can worsen gout symptoms, including increased urate levels. Higher levels of uric acid in the bloodstream are a trigger for gout.
Liver damage
Drinking too much alcohol of any kind can damage the liver, leading to conditions such as cirrhosis. Alcohol can even worsen conditions caused by a virus, such as hepatitis C.
Unwanted weight gain
Wine contains a lot of calories per serving. Even moderate drinking affects your daily caloric intake, which at high levels can cause weight gain.
Increased risk of some cancers
Heavy drinking is linked to some cancers, including those of mouth and throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon and rectum, and breast. Chemicals that form in our bodies from drinking alcohol damage our DNA. This damage can result in a cell growing uncontrollably and leading to a cancer tumor.
