Your favorite alcoholic beverage might be impacting your health.

But does red wine really have any health benefits?

While red wine contains antioxidant compounds, they do not outweigh alcohols health risks, he explains.

red wine on outdoor table

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But how did red wines reputation as the healthiest alcohol come to be?

Is there any truth to it?

Read on for what physicians have to say about this widely held belief.

These conclusions became oversimplified and overstated over timehence the reputation of red wine today.

Even small amounts increase cancer risk and cause DNA damage.

Thats because ethanolthe clear, colorless liquid found in alcoholposes multiple health risks once it enters the body.

Converts to Carcinogens

Carcinogens are cancer-causing chemical agents typically found in alcoholic beverages.

Once ethanol enters the bloodstream, it converts to acetaldehydea known carcinogenic substance.

Since alcohol is a depressant, consuming alcohol causes an imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission.

Increases Inflammation

By now youve likely heard about how alcohol canexacerbate inflammationespecially when consumed in large amounts.

Too much alcohol consumption before bed can reduceREM sleepand exacerbate sleep issues.

Is There a Safe Way to Consume Alcohol?

These whole foods provide health benefits, without the downsides.