The Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and olive oil, includes red wine—a tradition rooted in the diet’s geographic origins. Yet, concerns over the health risks associated with alcohol challenge the benefits of this inclusion.
Studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet may offer cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. However, recent evidence highlighting alcohol’s potential risks has cast a shadow over red wine’s place in the diet.
Leah Barron, RD, CPT, a dietitian at The Baseline Lifestyle Company in New York, acknowledged the complexity of this issue. “There are definitely some people who think [red wine] should be removed, as no amount of alcohol is really considered to be safe,” Barron told Health. “But because current research suggests some benefits to red wine in moderation, it’s complicated and needs more research.”
Why Red Wine is Part of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet doesn’t specify an exact amount of red wine; typically, recommendations suggest one five-ounce glass per day for women and two glasses for men, consumed with meals and in social settings. The inclusion of red wine, rather than other alcoholic beverages, stems from its cultural significance in Mediterranean countries such as France, Spain, Greece, and Italy.
“Red wine has historically been part of the diet due to its popularity in the region,” Barron explained. Additionally, compounds like resveratrol in red wine are believed to offer health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease and cancer, according to Abigail Collen, RD, CDN, of Mount Sinai Health System.
Experts Caution Against Frequent Consumption
Despite potential benefits, experts caution against regular red wine consumption. Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen and linked to several cancers, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism emphasizes that no amount of alcohol is entirely safe.
“Although red wine may be associated with a decreased risk of heart disease, this correlation does not imply causation,” Barron noted. “People who drink red wine in moderation might also have healthier lifestyles overall.”
Should You Include Red Wine in Your Diet?
Whether to include red wine in the Mediterranean diet largely depends on individual health circumstances. Experts advise against starting alcohol consumption for those who do not already drink. Collen highlighted, “There are few absolutes in nutrition, but I would never recommend someone add in alcohol.”
Future research, including a significant study currently underway in Spain, may provide clearer insights into the role of red wine in the diet. Miguel Martinez Gonzalez, PhD, from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, called for more rigorous trials to assess alcohol’s risks and benefits comprehensively.
As the debate continues, the ultimate decision on red wine consumption should be guided by both personal health considerations and emerging research.