What are the benefits and drawbacks of red wine consumption for women?
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Benefits of moderate dry red wine consumption in women include helping regulate blood lipid levels, antioxidant effects, relieving mild stress, promoting blood circulation, and improving sleep quality. Potential drawbacks include liver function damage, irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, impaired blood glucose stability, increased risk of gynecological diseases, and harm to oral health. If persistent abdominal pain, dizziness, palpitations, or skin abnormalities occur after drinking, prompt medical attention is recommended.
Women who drink dry red wine in moderation may experience benefits such as helping regulate blood lipids, antioxidant effects, relieving mild stress, promoting blood circulation, and improving sleep quality. However, potential harms include liver damage, irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, destabilization of blood glucose levels, increased risk of gynecological diseases, and harm to oral health. If persistent abdominal pain, dizziness, palpitations, or skin abnormalities occur after drinking, medical attention is recommended.
I. Benefits
1. Helps regulate blood lipids: The polyphenols in dry red wine can help lower triglyceride levels in the blood. Moderate consumption may support lipid metabolism, but it cannot replace medical treatment.
2. Antioxidant effects: Antioxidant components such as resveratrol can neutralize free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, and have a positive effect on skin health.
3. Relieves mild stress: Moderate intake can relax the nervous system and alleviate everyday anxiety and stress, although excessive consumption may increase mental strain.
4. Promotes blood circulation: Alcohol can mildly dilate blood vessels, thereby enhancing blood flow and potentially improving peripheral circulation in the limbs.
5. Improves sleep quality: A small amount consumed before bedtime may help relax the mind and body, slightly improving sleep onset difficulties in women. However, excessive intake may disrupt deep sleep stages.
II. Risks
1. Liver damage: Alcohol is metabolized by the liver. Long-term consumption increases the liver's workload, potentially leading to hepatocyte injury and raising the risk of fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and other liver conditions.
2. Irritation of gastrointestinal mucosa: Alcohol and acidic substances can irritate the gastric mucosa. Chronic consumption may lead to gastritis or gastric ulcers, causing symptoms such as stomach pain and acid reflux.
3. Blood glucose instability: Dry red wine contains some sugar, and long-term consumption may cause blood glucose fluctuations, particularly affecting women with reduced insulin sensitivity.
4. Increased risk of gynecological diseases: Chronic alcohol use may disrupt endocrine function, increasing the risk of conditions such as breast hyperplasia and ovarian cysts.
5. Oral health damage: Alcohol and acidic components can irritate the gums and erode tooth enamel, increasing the likelihood of gingivitis, dental caries, and other oral health issues.
To minimize risks, limit consumption to no more than twice per week, with each serving not exceeding 150 ml. Drink warm water afterward to aid hydration. Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamin-containing fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein to reduce bodily strain. Additionally, maintain regular sleep patterns and engage in moderate physical activity to support metabolic balance.
