Cheers to Your Heart? Experts Weigh In on Champagne’s Health Benefits

Alcohol has never been first pick on Team Superfood, but that doesn’t mean having a drink once in a while is completely devoid of health benefits. A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology actually found that Champagne could reduce your risk of sudden cardiac arrest. 

The large-scale study examined 56 non-clinical risk factors potentially linked to sudden cardiac arrest, including lifestyle, physical measures, psychosocial factors, socioeconomic status, and local environment. Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 individuals and discovered that 40–63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases could have been prevented by modifying just a few of these factors.

Perhaps most surprisingly, moderate consumption of white wine and Champagne — along with a positive attitude, healthy body weight, and high fruit intake — was found to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

However, it’s important to note that the study did not establish a causal relationship between these factors, rather a demonstrated correlation, says Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution.

So, does this mean you should sip Champagne on the daily? Not necessarily. Here’s what experts want you to know.

How does Champagne reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest?

The study did not detail the exact mechanisms at play, but the protective association between Champagne and a reduced risk of sudden cardiovascular arrest is likely due to Champagne’s polyphenol content (a group of naturally occurring plant compounds), says Michelle Routhenstein, RD, a preventative cardiology dietitian and founder of Entirely Nourished. This is because polyphenols improve vascular function, reduce inflammation, and increase HDL ‘good’ cholesterol, all of which minimize the risk of cardiac arrest, she explains.

White wine and Champagne also contain protocatechuic acid, an antioxidant that has shown promising potential for improving overall heart health by minimizing free radicals in the body associated with chronic illness and heart disease.

Does red wine have similar cardiovascular benefits?

Potentially. Red wine has a high antioxidant content, which may increase HDL cholesterol levels and protect against cholesterol buildup, reducing the risk of heart attacks. More specifically, red wine contains a type of polyphenol called resveratrol, which may lower blood pressure and protect the lining of heart blood vessels, Serwer says. Resveratrol can also decrease blood clots, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease, he adds. 

However, this doesn’t mean you have unlimited freedom with red wine, as excessive alcohol consumption (in any form) can lead to adverse health outcomes.

How much Champagne does it take to reap these benefits?

The study did not provide detailed guidance on consumption levels, so there is no optimal frequency or dose to reap the aforementioned cardiovascular benefits. Instead, “moderate consumption” is ideal, which means up to two drinks a day for men, and up to one drink a day for women, says Laura Catena, MD, an emergency room physician and fourth-generation vintner. To put this into perspective, one standard drink is five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or an ounce and a half of spirits. “Drinking less is better for health than drinking more, so I personally recommend skipping alcohol a few days a week,” Catena says. 

With that in mind, the frequency with which alcohol can or should be consumed is nuanced. The World Health Organization asserts that no amount of alcohol is beneficial or safe for your health. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, on the other hand, found lower mortality for moderate drinkers as compared to those who never drink, though more research is needed. 

“In medicine, it’s common to observe varying outcomes from drugs or interventions, so in this context, alcohol may exhibit cardioprotective effects, yet it often poses risks to the liver, stomach, and mental health,” Serwer says. “Consequently, medical professionals must carefully assess the risks and benefits of alcohol for each individual.”

For example, those with a chronic illness or heightened risk of substance use should entirely avoid alcohol, Serwer says. “If there are questions whether alcohol may be beneficial, I recommend sitting down with your healthcare team to determine if it’s right for you.”

Negative health effects of alcohol 

While moderate alcohol intake may offer certain cardiovascular benefits, it’s far from a free pass to drink excessively. Alcohol remains a psychoactive substance with well-documented risks that affect multiple systems in the body. Here are some of the most significant health effects to consider before reaching for that next glass.

Decreases brain activity 

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance and a central nervous system depressant, lowering neurotransmitter levels in the brain and ultimately slowing down brain activity. Consequently, research shows that alcohol can lead to changes in mood, awareness, feelings, behavior, muscle functioning, and even cognitive damage when consumed in excess. 

Increases risk of liver disease and stomach cancer

Alcohol poses risks to the liver and stomach, Serwer says. This is because excessive alcohol consumption overwhelms the liver’s ability to detoxify the body, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, chronic liver disease, and even stomach cancer. After all, alcohol is a known carcinogen at high doses.

Disrupts the gut microbiome

Research suggests that alcohol damages the intestinal lining and increases gut permeability, allowing toxins and harmful pathogens to enter the bloodstream more easily. Some gut permeability is necessary for nutrient absorption; however, excessive permeability can lead to inflammation, digestive issues, and even chronic diseases. 

Disturbs sleep

According to the Sleep Foundation, alcohol disrupts rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, leading to increased drowsiness the following day. It may seem that a few glasses of wine promotes relaxation, but alcohol actually reduces melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, further disrupting much-needed shuteye.