According to the American Heart Association, there may be a link between red wine consumption and a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Red wine contains antioxidants such as flavonoids that promote good heart health. While drinking in moderation may contribute to a reduced risk of developing heart disease, drinking too much red wine can be detrimental to your health.
Alcoholism
Drinking too much of any type of alcohol, including red wine, can lead to alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Alcohol abuse means that you drink too much alcohol, and alcoholism means that you are physically addicted to alcohol. If you are unable to stop drinking after having a glass of wine, if you feel that you must drink wine or if your drinking is causing problems in any part of your life, you may have a drinking problem. Talk to your doctor if you feel that you may be addicted to alcohol.
Obesity
Red wine contains 125 calories in a 5 oz. glass, states MayoClinic.com. If you are drinking more than one or two glasses of wine, you are consuming hundreds of extra calories each day. This can lead to weight gain. If you are currently at a normal weight, you may become overweight if you drink too much wine, and if you are currently overweight, you may become obese. Overweight and obesity put you at risk for health problems including diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Other Health Problesm
Although you may be drinking red wine to improve your heart health, too much can actually raise your risk of developing high blood pressure and stroke. Too much alcohol can also damage your liver, leading to alcoholic hepatitis and irreversible liver damage. Drinking can lower your inhibitions and puts you and others at risk if you choose to drive after consuming alcoholic beverages. Drinking during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome.
Recommendations
If you choose to drink red wine for better heart health, limit yourself to one glass daily if you are a woman, and two glasses daily if you are a man. The American Heart Association does not recommend starting to drink red wine if you currently don't because the risks may outweigh the benefits. You may be able to get the same benefits without the risks of drinking an alcoholic beverage by drinking red grape juice instead.
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