Red Wine and Sex: good news about wine and men's health

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Thanks to some splashy headlines over the past twenty years, red wine and sex are forever linked. But is red wine good for your sex life? Absolutely! Sure, we all know what happens with overconsumption but a glass or two a few times per week can be beneficial both to heart health and sexual health.

Scientific research shows that wine is beneficial to cardiovascular health and circulation. The assumption is that a powerful compound called resveratrol found in the skins and seeds of wine grapes is the key to wine’s heart-healthy attributes.

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The resveratrol in wine is good for more than heart health

Studies show that resveratrol also boosts blood flow to the brain and may help improve memory as well as overall brain health. Some early studies show that resveratrol may even be able to reverse cognitive aging. The research is really in its infancy but the potential is promising.

Discover why wine is an aphrodisiac for men and women

The aromas in wine can arouse men

And while it may not improve your sexual health, the aromas in wine certainly have the potential to improve your sex life. In the 1990s, Dr. Max Lake explored the aromas in wine, proving that many replicate the scents of human pheromones. Wine can even be a turn-on before you take a sip. So what are you waiting for? Grab that corkscrew and get moving now that you know wine is good for your sex life.

Can wine increase sex drive?

There was a 2009 study linking wine consumption with increased sex drive in women. I cannot find any research proving that drinking wine will increase a man’s sexual desire but I’m sure you can have some fun experimenting. And in case you’re interested, here’s more information on wine and women’s sexual health.

Side effects of drinking red wine

Please keep in mind that drinking wine is not for everyone.

Drinking too much alcohol of any kind is linked with:

Liver and pancreas disease
Stroke
Certain types of cancer
Weight gain and obesity

You should also consider avoiding alcohol if you have a strong family history of alcoholism or if you have liver disease.

If you are considering starting or increasing red wine consumption, we recommend speaking with a medical professional.

View the list of the 10 Best Foods for Men’s Sexual Health

Edited by Delahna Flagg: This article was reviewed and additional research provided by Center for Mind-Body Medicine certified practitioner and Eat Something Sexy Nutrition Director Delahna Flagg.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It is important to consult your physician before making dietary changes.

This article was written in 2014 and most recently updated in September 2021.

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.