Scientists still don't know why red wine causes headaches, but a new study proposes a theory that an antioxidant in grape skins affects how the body processes alcohol, leading to a toxic byproduct that triggers headaches.
Allergies may play a role in wine headaches, with histamines and sulfites being potential culprits, although research is inconclusive.
Polyphenols, including tannins and antioxidants found in red wine, are the leading theory for causing headaches, but the specific compounds responsible have yet to be identified. [ more ]