What Really Happens to Your Body When You Drink a Glass of Wine Every Night

Note: While research on alcohol is evolving, the World Health Organization says drinking less or not at all is better for your health.

A nightly glass of red wine is a common ritual, and one that is considered to come with some benefits. But regularly drinking alcohol can also come with downsides that are important to consider as well.

Read on to learn more about what happens to your body when you drink a glass of wine every night.

Defining ‘Moderate Drinking’

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “moderate drinking” is defined as one drink per day for women and two for men. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines one serving of red table wine as 5 ounces (oz).

Drawbacks of Moderate Red Wine Consumption

Research shows that drinking alcohol comes with health risks, which vary in severity depending on the amount someone drinks regularly.

Mental Health

According to some research, moderate wine consumption (between two and seven drinks per week) may be associated with a lower risk of having depression.

But the same study found that heavy drinking (consuming seven or more drinks per week) is actually linked to a higher risk for depression.

Extra Calories

While one glass of red wine each night isn't likely to cause changes in weight, the caloric content of red wine is still something worth considering.

According to the USDA, one serving of red table wine contains about 125 calories. This means that a nightly glass of red wine could add 875 calories to a person's average weekly intake.

If weight loss or weight maintenance is your goal, try going with two to three glasses of wine per week. If you want to enjoy a glass nightly, try diluting 3 oz of wine with 2 oz of sparkling water.

Sleep

Alcohol is considered a sedative and if you're drinking your glass of wine right before bedtime, it's probably going to make you sleepy — but that's not necessarily good news.

"One of the drawbacks of having a glass of wine every night is that it could affect the quality of sleep," says KeyVion Miller, RDN.

At a low dose, such as one glass per night, you may actually fall asleep faster. But as the alcohol is metabolized and eliminated from your body, research shows you may not be able to stay asleep.

Teeth

The American Dental Association notes that red wine is a source of extrinsic stains on the enamel of teeth.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Not everyone who drinks alcohol will develop alcohol use disorder, and there is a difference between this condition and moderate drinking.

But researchers point out that drinking still carries the potential increased misuse — even among those who are apparently at low risk.

Benefits of Moderate Red Wine Consumption

While there are negative effects associated with alcohol, some research does show that moderate alcohol consumption may have some benefits, namely during meals.

Gut Health

Research has shown that moderate red wine consumption may contribute to increased gut diversity. It's worth noting that white wine showed a lesser (yet still positive) effect, but the same association wasn't found with beer or spirits.

Heart Health

Mayo Clinic says red wine has antioxidants called polyphenols that may protect the lining of the heart's blood vessels, prevent blood clots, and lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol. Other studies, however, have found no connection here, and more research is needed.