Fact or Fiction: Is Red Wine Good for My Heart?

We have all heard the anecdote that red wine is good for your heart. There are countless blogs and daytime talk shows that praise red wine for being a healthy part of your daily life. It is easy to believe everything we read or hear, especially when it confirms things we want to believe. 

However, is it true that red wine is good for your heart? In this article, we will dispel any myths and get down to the truth of, “Is red wine good for my heart?”

Red Wine and Healthy Hearts

Before we dig too deep into the question of whether or not red wine is healthy for your heart, it is important to understand that if you do drink alcohol, it is vital to do so in moderation. 

According to the American Heart Association, It is best to drink no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for a woman.  (According to the AHA, one drink is 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits, or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits.) 

When alcohol is abused in excess, it can be very bad for the heart, causing high blood pressure, and can lead to plenty of other health problems, such as liver damage and obesity, as well as plenty of other negative effects. 

When it comes to heart health, there is a common assumption that the antioxidants found in red wine are good for the heart. Several studies show that antioxidant resveratrol can lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol. 

In addition to that, studies have found that moderate alcohol consumption can raise good HDL cholesterol and lower the risk of diabetes. All good news. However, most of the research done on wine and heart health isn't perfect and susceptible to bias. 

Red Wine Gladdens the Heart

While the positive effects on the heart are minimal, red wine releases serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters, which produce pleasurable feelings like euphoria and well-being. When enjoyed in moderation, a little wine makes the heart of man glad. This double entendre is taken from the Psalms and can be dated some three thousand years ago. 

Homer said that “Wine gives a man fresh strength when he is wearied,” and Socrates believed that wine “moistens the soul.” Wine has been a part of our society for thousands of years, making the hearts of humanity glad. We celebrate with wine, relax with wine, and so on. Wine is infused into our collective humanity, and its benefits are beyond heart health. 

At the end of the day, the question still stands. Sure, there are some health benefits from drinking red wine, but more importantly, what are the benefits that red wine has in our life? How does it bring us together? In what ways can a good bottle of Bordeaux change the trajectory of our day? These are the true questions, and we intend to find out after we uncork and enjoy the next bottle of red.

Red Wine at Metro Wines

Are you thirsty yet? Fine, challenging-to-find wines, along with many others, are available at Metro Wines. With a focus on finding the ideal wine for any food or occasion, Metro Wines boasts a sizable wine range. Our wine experts are ready at all times to respond to your inquiries, suggest wine pairings, and coordinate with your caterer or event coordinator.

We also provide monthly social gatherings, weekly tastings, and wine classes. You can find information about our upcoming events, weekly tastings, and special occasions on our website. You can also check out our collection of wines here!