Dr. Marina Saunova, a psychiatrist and addiction specialist, stated that the common belief that wine helps lower cholesterol levels is false.
According to Dr. Saunova , regular consumption of wine causes more harm than any potential benefit to the body.
The expert explained that the potential benefits of red wine are limited to occasional and moderate consumption , such as one glass per month , provided there are no contraindications like pregnancy, liver disease, or cardiovascular disease. In this case, the antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and slightly improve blood lipid levels, but the effect is practically negligible and does not justify the risks of regular consumption.
The doctor warned against light and fruit wines , as they can negatively affect the digestive system, heart, brain, and endocrine glands. Although these drinks are considered safe due to their natural origin, studies indicate they contain high concentrations of sugar and ethanol , which increase the burden on the liver and pancreas.
Studies on alcohol and sugar metabolism have shown that combining ethanol with easily digestible carbohydrates increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and obesity , even with moderate consumption. Furthermore, fruit wines often cause a faster rise in blood sugar compared to sugar-free wines, increasing oxidative stress and inflammation of the blood vessels.
