Numerous studies have indicated health benefits from drinking red wine, though researchers are still trying to determine the extent of and reasons behind those benefits. A daily glass could lessen your chance of a heart attack and help prevent certain cancers or chronic conditions. Overindulgence, however, could cause health problems that outweigh any particular benefits.
Identification
Red wine contains several compounds believed to be beneficial to heart health and disease prevention, according to the Mayo Clinic website. It is rich with both types of antioxidants, flavonoids and nonflavonoids, which might protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. Of particular note is a nonflavonoid called resveratrol, a substance that can reduce the risk of inflammation and blood clotting that can lead to heart disease. It also might help prevent some forms of cancer. Besides these substances, the alcohol in red wine can help raise your high-density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol levels.
Theories/Speculation
Red-wine studies in animals have shown that resveratrol can help prevent cancer and block tumor growth both in early stages of cancer and as the disease is progressing, according to the National Cancer Institute, or NCI. These studies have focused on skin cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and leukemia. In addition, Seattle researchers determined that men who drink red wine regularly are half as likely to develop prostate cancer, particularly aggressive forms, than those who don't, according to Harvard Men's Health Watch.
Potential
Research on red wine and cancer prevention is largely in the initial stages, according to the NCI. Much of the research has been on animals, not humans, according to the Mayo Clinic site. Other research in mice has shown that resveratrol can prevent obesity and diabetes, though an equivalent dosage for humans from these studies would require hundreds of bottles of wine per day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, drug companies are exploring ways to produce resveratrol into potent pill form.
Size
Benefits of red wine come through drinking in moderation, which the Mayo Clinic site defines as about two 5-ounce glasses of wine per day for men and one glass per day for women. Men's levels are higher because they generally weigh more and metabolize alcohol more efficiently than women. The Seattle study of prostate cancer focused on men who drink four to seven glasses per week. If that's more wine than you like to drink, you also can get resveratrol by eating red or purple grapes or drinking grape juice, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Warning
Drinking red wine in excess will cancel out any health benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic site. Heavy drinking can lead to high blood pressure, liver disease and high triglycerides. It also can make you more susceptible to certain types of cancers and heart disease, the very conditions it can prevent in moderation. Additionally, alcohol is an addictive substance. If you cannot contain your drinking to a glass or two per day maximum, it's better for your health to not drink at all.
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