The effects of alcohol on the body occur when ethanol enters our bloodstream and passes through the membranes of cells in your brain, heart, and other organs.

Muscles absorb alcohol faster than fat. Therefore, people with larger muscle mass and lower body fat have higher alcohol tolerance.

Alcohol is processed in the liver, where enzymes help break down ethanol into acetaldehyde and acetate.

Binge drinking can lead to hangovers, which are caused by chemical byproducts created during alcohol processing.

Red wine contains resveratrol, a substance which helps control cholesterol, prevent blood vessel damage, and stop blood clots. Therefore moderate red wine drinking is considered to have a healthy effect on the heart.