The Mediterranean diet is considered the best way to balance your meals, eat healthy, and stay fit. This diet, which emphasizes mostly plant-based foods and healthy fats, helps reduce the risk of heart disease and many other chronic diseases. The inclusion of red wine in addition to fruits, olive oil, and fish is a confusing aspect for many people following this diet, as alcohol is a major cancer-causing factor.

According to studies, Mediterranean people emphasize the benefits of red wine when consumed in limited quantities – however, experts say that even a single consumption can be harmful to your health.

Why is red wine included in the Mediterranean diet?

According to the rules of the Mediterranean diet, there is no set limit on how much red wine a person can drink. However, in most cases, nutritionists say that one glass or five ounces per day for women, and two glasses or 10 ounces for men can be consumed with meals.

In addition, the Mediterranean diet does not specifically recommend other types of alcohol and advises limiting alcohol in general. But red wine is included because the diet is built around traditional foods eaten in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as France, Spain, Greece and Italy. Red wine is also rich in resveratrol – a compound that reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.

But alcohol is a known human carcinogen and has been linked to several cancers – including breast, liver, esophageal, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. According to statistics, 3.5 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States were linked to alcohol consumption. In addition to cancer – excessive drinking can cause stroke, high blood pressure, and kidney and liver failure.

Should You Drink Red Wine on the Mediterranean Diet?

Though it depends on the individual how he or she follows the diet, experts say that if you don’t drink alcohol, don’t start drinking.

According to Health.com, researchers in Spain are currently conducting a large, multi-year study to determine how wine drinking habits affect health, which could provide more context about whether red wine should be included in the Mediterranean diet.

Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

Here are some of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet:

• Weight Loss
• supporting healthy blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol
• Reducing the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
• supporting a healthy balance of gut microbiota
• reducing the risk of certain types of cancer
• Slowing the decline of brain function with aging
• Helping you live longer
• limiting saturated and trans fats
• Encouraging healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids
• limiting sodium
• limiting refined carbohydrates, including sugar
• Increasing the amount of fiber and antioxidants in your body

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