Health Nutrition & Diet Top Red Wine Benefits That Are Backed by Science Yep, drinking red wine in moderation can be healthy—and here's the proof. By Ashley Zlatopolsky Ashley Zlatopolsky Ashley Zlatopolsky is a Detroit-based storyteller with more than 10 years of experience writing and editing. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 09, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Peterson Fact checked by Emily Peterson Emily Peterson is an experienced fact-checker and editor with Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and French. Our Fact-Checking Process Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Getty Images Popularly known for its heart health benefits, drinking red wine can positively impact your health in other ways, too. To answer the age-old question of whether or not red wine is good for you, here's what a nutritionist and scientific researchers have to say. From memory retention to dental health, let's explore the various benefits of red wine. 01 of 10 Boosts Memory and Cognitive Function Red wine is rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help the body fight off disease, among other benefits. Resveratrol, a type of polyphenol found in red wine, may also help improve short-term memory. Recent studies show that resveratrol has the power to reduce damage caused by sleep deprivation, like memory deficits, and can boost your ability to learn and your cognitive processing functions. Another surprising red wine health benefit is its ability to potentially lower the risk of dementia, a group of conditions that impact memory function (usually in older age). "Studies show that red wine consumption can reduce the risk of having dementia, which often leads to Alzheimer's disease," says nutritionist Sally Stevens, RDN. The key is drinking red wine in moderation, as heavier consumption can increase risk. So it's best to cap your intake around the recommended 5-ounce glass of wine per day. 02 of 10 Promotes Eye Health Red wine health benefits go even further, thanks to resveratrol once again. With vascular-enhancing properties, red wine may improve microcirculation in the eye. This process can help improve eye health and prevent eye-related issues such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, all of which contribute to vision loss. 03 of 10 Improves Heart Health One of the most celebrated red wine benefits is its ability to potentially improve heart health. Consuming foods and beverages rich in polyphenols, such as red wine, has long been associated with reduced risk of heart disease. Red wine may protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart while also boosting HDL (or "good" cholesterol), which helps your body flush out "bad" cholesterol. (Bad cholesterol can significantly increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.) "Drinking wine may help in decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol," Stevens says. "[High LDL] may cause artery damage." 04 of 10 Maintains Dental Health Studies show that red wine may keep your mouth healthy. Data suggests red wine—specifically those beneficial polyphenols we've talked about so much—can fight off harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. By preventing the bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums, red wine essentially stops it from causing things like cavities or plaque. 05 of 10 Reduces Risk of Cancer Some studies point to red wine as potentially having the ability to reduce cancer risk by preventing the growth of cancerous cells, particularly those associated with breast cancer and esophageal cancer. That's because resveratrol, a polyphenol in grape skin, can kill cancer cells, according to cancer researchers. Polyphenols help starve cancer cells by blocking the development of a critical protein that feeds them. "Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that can be found in grape skin and red grape juice," Stevens explains. "Antioxidants help the body fight off free radicals that can damage our cells and organs." 06 of 10 Helps Regulate Blood Sugar Despite containing natural sugars, red wine can help regulate blood sugar. Drinking a glass of red wine may lower your blood sugar for up to 24 hours, which can be beneficial for those with higher blood sugar levels. While red wine shouldn't be substituted for blood glucose management medications and treatment plans, it may be a helpful dietary addition in moderation. 07 of 10 Helps Fight Viruses Keeping our immune system strong against viruses is incredibly important, and red wine may have yet another promising perk in this department. One of its benefits includes immune-boosting properties thanks to its antioxidant content. "Wine contains high levels of antioxidants in the form of flavonoids, which can combat viruses," Stevens says. 08 of 10 Controls Blood Pressure Those same polyphenols in red wine can help lower or control blood pressure. Studies have shown that systolic and diastolic pressure improved after consuming dealcoholized red wine (wine with alcohol content removed). Additionally, grape wine extract (also rich in polyphenols) can help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, regardless of alcohol level. 09 of 10 Influences Gut Health The polyphenols in red wine may also modulate your microbiome or healthy gut bacteria. A healthy microbiome can prevent disease development, while an unhealthy microbiome can decrease your immune function, making you more susceptible to getting sick. 10 of 10 Pairs Well With Healthy Foods Wine pairing can become a hobby that encourages you to eat more nutrient-dense foods. Here are a few popular red wine pairings to try: Cabernet Sauvignon: This grape is the most popularly planted variety worldwide. Cabernet Sauvignon wines tend to be bold with blackberry flavors and pair well with grilled vegetables. Merlot: This wine is recommended as an entry-level red wine since it has fruitier notes. Merlot is the second most popular grape planted throughout the world and would taste great with a healthy beet salad. Zinfandel: Though the taste of this wine varies depending on where it's grown, it's known to have a juicy flavor and higher alcohol content. Try it with some spiced pecans. Malbec: Originating in France, this wine tends to have cherry and plum flavors that pair well with hearty grains and veggies. Pinot Noir: Considered one of the lightest red wines, Pinot Noir may give off a cranberry or raspberry flavor that pairs well with roasted salmon. A standard glass of wine is 5 fl oz of 12% alcohol by volume (ABV). 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