People who drink this may have a lower risk of contracting COVID-19

Unfortunately, drinking alcohol is rarely associated with health benefits. However, a study found that consuming red wine may offer some protection against COVID-19.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, looked at data from the UK Biobank database. Research showed that people who consumed five or more glasses of red wine per week were 17% less likely to contract COVID-19. Researchers suspect this is due to the drink’s polyphenol content.

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While red wine offered the most benefits out of all the beverages surveyed, alcoholic beverages like white wine and champagne also offered protection from the virus, with people who consumed it as their drink of choice had an 8% reduced risk of developing COVID-19.

Good news so far. People who consumed beer and cider showed the opposite effect than those who consumed wine and champagne: these drinkers were 28% more likely to be infected with COVID-19.

Red wine has long been associated with benefits such as lowering bad cholesterol, promoting heart health and being rich in antioxidants. Up to one drink a day is considered moderate and is something that could boost people’s systems and be part of an enjoyable routine.

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Despite the protective properties of wine and champagne, these drinks are still not enough to fully protect you from COVID-19, especially if you consume too many of them. After all, alcohol is alcohol, and large amounts of it can weaken your immune system and lead to a variety of diseases and conditions that can be harmful in the long run.

To stay safe, experts recommend staying up to date with your vaccines and keeping an eye on COVID-19 transmission rates in your area, which should inform you of what’s safe and what’s not.