Mediterranean Diet and Alcohol

Consuming alcohol, mainly in the form of red wine sipped as part of a meal, is a key component of the Greek Mediterranean diet. In Greek tradition, wine is more than a mere beverage – it symbolizes warm hospitality, social connection and cultural heritage. It is an integral part of many social and family gatherings and is also part of Orthodox Christian tradition through the rite of Holy Communion.

The custom of drinking wine as part of a balanced meal has also been incorporated into the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid. According to the new Mediterranean Diet Pyramid updated in 2010 by the International Mediterranean Diet Organization, the consumption of wine (and other fermented alcoholic beverages such as beer) is recommended as optional, in moderation and preferably as part of a meal.

The low-to-moderate consumption of wine – particularly red wine – has been associated with certain potential benefits for human health. Possible beneficial effects of light to moderate wine consumption could, in part, be linked to the protective properties of specific bioactive compounds (polyphenols) found in wine. Polyphenols (such as resveratrol) are powerful antioxidants that have been studied for their ability to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Nevertheless, scientists emphasize that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of wine consumption.

On the other hand, current scientific data have shown that it is not possible to establish a safe level of alcohol consumption. Even moderate alcohol consumption (<8 drinks/week) has been linked in studies to an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. It should certainly be avoided by specific population groups, such as children and pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Therefore, if you choose to drink alcohol, it should be done in moderation. The emphasis on moderation is crucial, as it ensures that the consumption of alcohol will be controlled. A moderate level of alcohol consumption is defined as up to two drinks per day (2 or less) for men and up to one drink per day (1 or less) for women. A “standard” drink is equivalent to 45 ml of a high-alcohol content beverage, such as vodka, whiskey or gin (40% alcohol), 120 ml wine (12% alcohol) or 330 ml beer (5% alcohol).

In summary, it is important to stress that scientific data warn about the risks related to alcohol consumption, particularly in higher quantities. This means that, though wine is part of the tradition of Mediterranean countries, including Greece, any consumption should be in moderation and always as part of a healthy diet overall.