Is Alcohol Really Good for Your Heart? Busting the Red Wine Myth

For decades, we’ve been told that a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart. But is it true? Recent findings from the European Heart Network challenge this long-standing belief – and it’s time we took a closer look.

Where Did the Red Wine Myth Come From?

The idea that red wine protects the heart largely stems from the “French Paradox” popularised in the 1990s. Researchers observed that French people had low rates of heart disease despite diets rich in saturated fats. Many attributed this to resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine.

But here’s what the science actually says:

• The amount of resveratrol needed to benefit the heart is far higher than what’s found in a glass of wine.

• You can get resveratrol from grapes, berries, and peanuts – without the health risks associated with alcohol.

The alcohol industry amplified this myth for decades. Now, the evidence is clear: no amount of alcohol protects your heart.

“But My Grandpa Drank Wine Daily and Lived to 95…”

Longevity stories don’t prove alcohol is protective. Health outcomes depend on many factors:

• Genetics

• Diet – rich in vegetables, legumes, and fish

• Lifestyle – daily movement, strong social connections, less processed food

Mediterranean populations are healthy despite alcohol, not because of it. Their heart health is rooted in their diet, activity, and community – not the wine on the table.

The Science: No Safe Level of Alcohol for Your Heart

According to the European Heart Network’s latest position paper, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cardiovascular health. Even low levels of drinking raise the risk of:

• High blood pressure, a silent killer linked to 1 in 5 strokes worldwide

• Coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death globally

• Atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk fivefold

• Heart failure and stroke

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The Numbers Behind Alcohol and Heart Disease

In Europe each year:

❤️‍🩹 1.7 million people die from cardiovascular disease, nearly a third of all deaths.🍺 Alcohol alone contributes to around 50,000 of these deaths, making it a major modifiable risk factor.

Why Women Should Pay Special Attention

Women are more vulnerable to alcohol’s harmful effects on the heart:

• They develop alcohol-related heart disease at lower levels than men.

• Alcohol increases women’s risk of hypertension and stroke.

• Biological factors – like metabolism and hormones – make women’s bodies process alcohol differently, leading to higher risks.

(Sources: WHO, European Heart Network)

Who Carries the Burden of Alcohol-Related Heart Disease?

The harm caused by alcohol isn’t spread equally:

• Disadvantaged communities suffer the highest rates of alcohol-related heart disease.

• Europe hosts nine of the world’s top ten highest alcohol-consuming countries.

• Binge drinking remains prevalent among young people, leading to long-term health risks.

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What Can Be Done? Bold Policies Can Turn the Tide

The European Heart Network calls for decisive policy action:

✅ Health warnings on alcohol labels

✅ Ingredient and calorie transparency

✅ Higher taxes and minimum unit pricing

✅ Harmonised legal drinking age of 18 across the EU

✅ Strict bans on alcohol marketing targeting youth

✅ Ending EU subsidies for alcohol production

Does This Mean You Can Never Drink Again?

Not everything is black and white. No one is saying your occasional glass will instantly harm you. But the science is clear: there is no amount of alcohol that’s completely risk-free for your heart.

Only you can weigh the risks against the benefits. Sober is always the healthiest choice – and it’s absolutely doable. Life has so much more to offer beyond a drink.

Reducing or quitting alcohol can:

• Lower blood pressure and stroke risk within weeks

• Improve heart rhythm and overall heart health

• Support a clearer mind and healthier lifestyle

The science is there. Now, it’s about making choices that serve your health and future. At High Sobriety Club, we believe sobriety isn’t about restriction – it’s about freedom to live well, long, and with intention.

Stay Sober. Stay Cool.

High Sobriety Club.