Wine and Its Role in Health, Weight Loss, and Well-Being

Wine has long held a cherished place in French culture. In fact, the French wine industry is expected to surpass €30 billion by 2028, despite a quantitative decline in wine consumption. This shift does not reflect a decline in passion for wine, but rather a shift in preferences. The French are increasingly prioritizing quality over quantity, adopting a “drink better, not more” mentality. This shift has led to a growing market for organic and natural wines, with over 160,000 hectares of certified organic vineyards cultivated across France by 2021.

As more consumers turn to high-quality options, discussions about the health impacts of wine have become more prevalent. While the benefits of moderate wine consumption—such as heart health and relaxation—are well-documented, it’s essential to temper these positives with an awareness of the potential risks of excessive consumption.
Below, we'll explore wine's complex relationship with health, weight loss, and overall well-being.

The effects of wine on health

Wine is a topic of celebration and health caution. On the bright side, moderate consumption of red wine has been linked to heart health benefits. Red wine is rich in polyphenols, which have been shown to lower bad cholesterol and decrease inflammation. Additionally, resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grape skins, is known for its antioxidant properties that protect the cardiovascular system. If you’re interested in evaluating grape varieties, our wide selection of wines offers a variety of options, from Flamme Rouge’s 80% Mondeuse and 20% Pinot Noir to Corinto Super Estrella’s Chasselas maceration.

However, while there are benefits, the downsides of wine consumption must also be acknowledged. Excessive alcohol consumption is directly linked to a range of chronic diseases . If current trends continue, obesity and alcohol-related chronic diseases could increase significantly by 2030 in France. Computer simulations indicate that if the average body mass index (BMI) in France were reduced by just 1% per year and alcohol consumption decreased by 5% per year, 16,000 cases of cirrhosis, 9,000 cases of liver cancer and 13,000 cases of other chronic liver diseases could be avoided. These figures highlight the importance of moderation.

Wine and Weight Loss

The above section already hints at a complex relationship between wine and BMI. Indeed, wine lovers often worry that their favorite beverage could be compromising their weight-loss efforts. Fortunately, studies suggest that moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, can coexist with healthy weight-loss efforts. One Harvard University study noted that women who regularly drank a glass of red wine were 70% less likely to gain weight compared to non-drinkers over a 13-year period. The “fat-burning” effect is attributed to resveratrol, which may help the body convert excess fat into energy more efficiently.

However, wine lovers should also consider that alcohol is high in calories and fat. Taking a healthy approach to wine consumption requires knowing your BMI, a commonly used measure to assess whether your weight is in a healthy range. Your BMI calculation is equivalent to your weight in kilograms times your height in meters squared, which is then categorized accordingly. Below 18.5 is underweight, 18.5-24.9 is normal, 25-30 is overweight, and above 30 is considered obese. By regularly monitoring your BMI, you can ensure that your wine consumption remains consistent with your weight management goals. If you find that your BMI is trending toward the overweight or obese category, it may be time to cut back or opt for lower-calorie wine options. Choose from our natural wines for an aperitif, rosé from Dai! Dream white wines, is an ideal tip when you opt for wines that are lighter in calories and on the palate.

The effects of wine on well-being

The relationship between wine and well-being combines elements of mental health, relaxation, and life balance. However, it is well known that excessive alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on both mental and physical well-being. Despite this, many people underestimate the potential for developing an unhealthy relationship with wine. Wine typically contains around 12% pure alcohol by volume, meaning that a litre of wine contains around 0.12 litres of pure alcohol. Even small increases in consumption over time can develop into problematic drinking habits, which can eventually dominate daily life and well-being.

Moderate wine consumption can provide significant wellness benefits . A glass or two can help relieve stress, improve relaxation, and even improve sleep quality for those who suffer from insomnia. Yet, the average French person drinks four glasses of wine per day, compared to just one glass for the average American. A standard bottle typically serves 5-6 glasses, meaning that this level of consumption is equivalent to two-thirds of an entire bottle! You can see that our winemakers most often use the standard bottle (750 ml) and the magnum (1.5 liters), but they also work with a variety of larger bottle sizes, from the 3-liter Jeroboam to the 30-liter Melchizedek.

Make a habit of cutting back to one or two glasses a day, regardless of bottle size, to maximize wine enjoyment while minimizing associated health risks.

For those looking for an even healthier relationship with wine, organic and natural wines offer a promising alternative. These wines are produced with minimal intervention, using organic grapes free of synthetic pesticides and additives. On Epi-Curieux, you can find a selection of exceptional natural wines that combine flavor, quality, and health benefits. Opt for our best-selling Le Pur Fruit du Causse 2021 for a fruity, light, and delicious profile that defies expectations of a typically robust terroir. Or choose the bright, savory flavors of Kilomètre 0 for a refreshing start to an evening with friends. Whatever your favorite, our selection on Epi-Curieux will ensure you have wine options that are not only delicious but also aligned with modern health-conscious values.