For years, people have heard mixed messages about alcohol and heart health. Some believe a glass of red wine can be good for the heart, while others warn that drinking—even in small amounts—can lead to serious health problems. So, what’s the truth?
A recent study led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital aims to provide a clearer answer. The team wanted to better understand whether small to moderate amounts of alcohol could actually help the heart, and if so, how.
Earlier studies suggested that people who drink lightly—about one drink a day for women and up to two for men—might have a lower risk of heart disease. But it wasn’t clear whether alcohol was the reason, or if those people were simply living healthier lives overall. Maybe they exercised more, had less stress, or had better access to health care.
To dig deeper, the researchers examined data from over 50,000 people. Even after accounting for lifestyle, income, and health habits, they found that people who drank modest amounts of alcohol had fewer heart problems compared to non-drinkers.
But the most interesting part of the study came from brain scans. In a smaller group of 754 participants, researchers looked at activity in the amygdala — the part of the brain involved in stress and emotions. They found that people who drank light to moderate amounts of alcohol had lower stress signals in this brain region.
Why does this matter? An overactive amygdala can raise heart rate, increase blood pressure, and release chemicals that cause inflammation. Over time, these stress responses can damage the heart and lead to diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart attacks. In short, people with calmer amygdalas were less likely to have heart problems.
Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, who led the research, explained that for people under high stress — such as those with anxiety or other stress-related conditions — the heart-protective effects of modest alcohol intake were even stronger. But that doesn’t mean drinking is the best solution.
The researchers are not recommending that people start drinking for their heart. While small amounts of alcohol might offer some benefit, alcohol still comes with serious risks. Even modest drinking increases the risk of certain cancers, and drinking more than 14 drinks a week can harm the brain and heart.
Instead of turning to alcohol, the study encourages people to explore other ways to lower stress and protect the heart. The team is now studying alternatives like exercise, meditation, and certain medications that may offer the same calming effects on the brain—without the dangers linked to alcohol.
This research helps explain why some people may have thought alcohol helped their heart—it may reduce stress signals in the brain. But in the long run, healthier methods for stress relief are safer and just as effective.
If you’re concerned about your heart health, it’s worth talking to your doctor about managing stress, eating well, staying active, and avoiding habits that could increase health risks. And if you do drink, moderation is key.
The full study is available in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology for those who want to explore the findings in more detail.
If you care about alcoholism, please read studies that your age may decide whether alcohol is good or bad for you, and people over 40 need to prevent dangerous alcohol/drug interactions.
For more information about alcohol, please see recent studies about moderate alcohol drinking linked to high blood pressure, and results showing this drug combo shows promise for treating alcoholism.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
