Researchers and wine lovers have long been interested in the potential links between moderate alcohol consumption and good health. That interest only grew in 2024. While a vocal neo-Prohibitionist movement has questioned the health benefits of any alcohol, a steady stream of new research continues to draw strong links between alcohol—especially wine—and healthy living.
Beyond breaking down the latest studies, we also answered your questions about wine, health and science in our Health Q&A series. From wine flaws to sulfites to vitamins and hangovers, we took deep dives into the topics that matter to you and your health.
Below, click on each headline to read the full stories, and sign up for our Healthy Living newsletter for the latest wine and health updates in 2025!
This year saw rising interest in weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound. These drugs contain semaglutide, tirzepatide and other molecules that make people feel less hungry and often result in significant weight loss. While these drugs are highly effective, alcohol may change how they work, and many people who take them feel less desire to drink. What else should you know?
Posted Nov. 22, 2023
[article-img-container][src=2024-08/ns_health-jama-older-adults_1600.jpg] [caption= A study added to the evidence that drinking wine with a meal is the safest way to consume alcohol.] [alt= People clinking glasses of red wine together during a toast] [credit= (Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images)][end: article-img-container]
Decades of research has linked light to moderate drinking, especially of wine, to a range of health benefits. But the reasons why moderate drinking seems to be neutral or beneficial for some people and harmful for others remains a mystery. A new study sought to answer two pressing questions: How does alcohol affect older adults? And are the health effects of light and moderate drinking different for healthy people vs. people with existing health problems and lower socioeconomic status? What did the researchers find out?
Posted Aug. 14
[article-img-container][src=2024-07/ns_health-couples-who-drink-together_1600.jpg] [caption= Couples who share drinking habits don’t just enjoy happier partnerships—they also live longer.] [alt= Senior couple walking through a vineyard and holding glasses of red wine] [credit= (skynesher/Getty Images)][end: article-img-container]
For many wine aficionados, sharing a glass or two with someone they love is one of life’s great pleasures. That can be especially true with a spouse or partner. A February study found that when both partners in a couple drink moderately, they tend to live longer. What could explain the longevity boost?
Posted July 17
[article-img-container][src=2024-03/ns_health-long-covid-hangover_1600.jpg] [caption=A Stanford study collected information from long COVID patients who had new alcohol sensitivity.] [alt= A man in a mask considers two glasses of wine.] [credit= (Oleg Elkov/Getty Images)][end: article-img-container]
While the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer in the crisis stage globally, many people—including some wine lovers—continue to feel its effects. Anecdotal evidence has indicated a potential link between COVID infection and increased alcohol sensitivity. Now, new research adds to our understanding of how so-called ‘long COVID’ may impact people’s enjoyment of alcohol.
Posted March 27
This year, we took a deep dive into wine’s nutritional content, from fiber to the B vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin K. We also looked at the amount of potassium in wine, which is nutritionally significant and can have important effects during winemaking. How much does wine contain, and why is it important to your health?
Posted March 27
[article-img-container][src=2024-05/ns_moderate-drinking-heart-health-jama_1600.jpg] [caption= Moderate drinking was linked to reduced risk of ischemic stroke and other major health problems, even in people who used to drink heavily.] [alt= Group of people toasting with glasses of red wine] [credit= (Hispanolistic/Getty Images)][end: article-img-container]
Decades of research has found that people who drink light to moderate amounts of alcohol enjoy better cardiovascular health than abstainers, but that benefit quickly disappears as consumption rises into heavy drinking. But in recent years, a vocal group of public health advocates has argued that no level of drinking is safe. Earlier this year, a study found that heavy drinkers who reduce their consumption to moderate levels stand to benefit in major ways, particularly when it comes to heart health. What are the larger implications?
Posted May 22
As in years past, wine and digestive health was a popular topic in 2024. We considered the effects of low-sulfur wines and native yeast on the gut microbiome, the safety of drinking on an empty stomach, and the potential links between wine and diarrhea. We also broke down how wine could contribute to constipation. Read on!
Posted Dec. 6, 2023
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