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By Mayo Clinic Staff

Red wine, in limited amounts, has long been thought of as healthy for the heart. The alcohol and substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease. That condition can lead to heart attacks.

The link between red wine and fewer heart attacks isn't well understood. Some small, older studies say antioxidants in red wine may raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. That is the "good" cholesterol. It helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the blood.

But there may be other reasons for the possible lower risk of heart disease in people who drink limited amounts of red wine. And experts say you should not start drinking alcohol to help your heart. This is especially true if you have alcohol use disorder or if it runs in your family. Too much alcohol can be harmful in many ways.

But if you already have a glass of red wine with your evening meal, drinking it in limited amounts may improve your heart health.