For healthy adults, moderate red wine consumption is defined as up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Women: One standard drink per day.
- Men: Up to two standard drinks per day.
The difference in recommended amounts is primarily due to physiological differences, such as body weight and differences in how men and women process alcohol. Men generally weigh more and have a higher amount of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase, which helps break down alcohol in the body.
It's important to note:
- Standard Drink Size: A "drink" is defined as 5 ounces (148 ml) of wine with around 12% alcohol by volume.
- Health Considerations: This advice applies to healthy adults. Certain medical conditions or medications can make even moderate alcohol consumption unsafe. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
- No Health Benefits Guarantee: While some studies suggest potential health benefits of moderate red wine consumption (mainly due to the antioxidant resveratrol), these are not conclusive, and you can obtain these antioxidants from other, healthier sources. Do not start drinking red wine solely for potential health benefits.
- Not Every Day: "Per day" doesn't mean every day. Consuming no alcohol on some days of the week is advisable.
- Binge Drinking: The daily limits are not an allowance to "save up" drinks for the weekend. Binge drinking (consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period) is harmful regardless of overall weekly intake.
In summary, if you are a healthy adult who chooses to drink red wine, moderation is key. Limit your intake to one drink per day if you are a woman and up to two drinks per day if you are a man, and always consult with your doctor if you have any health concerns.
