Recently, several articles in the national press have suggested that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption and that red wine should be excluded from the so-called Mediterranean diet. db reviews the scientific evidence for the health benefits of wine consumption.
The relationship between wine and health has been a topic of interest not only in the recent years of tabloid sensationalism, but the debate goes back centuries, with some cultures extolling its benefits, while others view wine, beer and spirits as drugs that should be heavily controlled, if not banned altogether.
Despite the current debate about whether wine is healthy or not at moderate levels, there are also recent scientific studies that have provided evidence to support these claims, highlighting the positive effects of wine, particularly red wine, on various aspects of human health.
Here we look back over the years the beverage sector, and provide a comprehensive overview of the health benefits associated with wine from scientific studies we have covered over the past decades.
Cardiovascular benefits
Red wine is frequently associated with benefits for cardiovascular health, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the presence of beneficial compounds such as resveratrol.
A study conducted by Iowa State University found that moderate consumption of red wine could reduce visceral fat, a type of fat linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol contribute to this reduction, thereby reducing the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, red wine has been shown to help regulate cholesterol levels. Research presented at the European Society of Cardiology showed that red and white wines could both lead to significant improvements in cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation and accompanied by regular physical activity.
This regulation of cholesterol is crucial for preventing heart disease and promoting overall cardiovascular health.
Arterial pressure
Flavonoids, abundant in red wine, play a crucial role in reducing blood pressure. According to a study led by Professor Aedin Cassidy of Queen’s University Belfast, consuming three glasses of red wine a week can significantly lower blood pressure.
This effect is attributed to the interaction between flavonoids and the intestinal microbiome, which enhances the cardioprotective properties of these compounds.
This study provides real-world evidence linking flavonoid consumption to a reduced risk of hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Bone health
While red wine is often touted for its health benefits, white wine also offers significant benefits, particularly regarding bone health.
A study of older adults found that those who drank white wine in moderation had higher bone mineral density than those who drank other types of alcohol, including red wine and beer.
This finding suggests that white wine may play a role in maintaining bone health and preventing diseases such as osteoporosis.
Glucose regulation
The benefits of wine extend to managing type 2 diabetes.
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that moderate consumption of red and white wines could improve glucose regulation in people with type 2 diabetes.
The study included 224 subjects who consumed red wine, white wine or mineral water with dinner for two years while adhering to a Mediterranean diet.
The results showed no significant difference between the effects of red and white wine on glucose regulation, indicating that both types of wine may be beneficial for diabetic patients.
Cancer prevention
Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, has been widely studied for its anti-cancer properties. Research has shown that resveratrol can help destroy abnormal cells that lead to cancer, particularly in the case of bowel cancer.
A study conducted by the Gustave Roussy Institute in Villejuif, France, found that resveratrol, combined with aspirin, could reduce the survival of tetraploid cells in human intestinal cancer tumor cultures. The combination was shown to help destroy cells responsible for genetic instability and linked to cancer development.
Additionally, scientists at Dalian Medical University in China have suggested that resveratrol may slow the growth of cancer.
Cognitive health
Prevention of dementia
Moderate wine consumption has also been associated with cognitive health benefits, including the prevention of dementia. The antioxidants in wine play an important role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key factors in the development of cognitive decline.
Studies have shown that these antioxidants can help maintain brain health and prevent the onset of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
General longevity
Researchers have suggested that pharmaceutical compounds containing resveratrol could one day be used to treat and prevent age-related diseases, offering a promising avenue for improving longevity.
Social consumption of wine in moderation has also been shown to be critical to success in the world’s Blue Zones, where average life expectancy is highest.
Write in GQ Commenting on the phenomenon, Dr Kien Vuu, author of Thrive State, said it wasn’t necessarily due to the health benefits of wine, but rather the socialising that goes “hand in hand with occasional drinking”.
He argued that we should say “yes to Happy Hour” and that a glass of wine was essential to health when consumed in a social setting, as was the case in the so-called Blue Zones, which include the Barbagia region of Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa in Japan, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica and Icaria in Greece.
These areas are the places in the world with the highest life expectancy and the highest number of centenarians, and many books and studies have been written about these “zones” in an attempt to replicate their health secrets elsewhere.
Vuu said: “In longevity cultures, moderate alcohol consumption often occurs in a social context, emphasizing the role of community and celebration.”
Moderation
Wine, consumed in moderation, offers many health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health and bone density to managing diabetes and even preventing cancer. The antioxidants and flavonoids found in wine, including resveratrol, play a crucial role in these health benefits.
However, it is essential to emphasize that moderation is essential to avoid the negative health effects associated with excessive consumption of alcohol, which is carcinogenic in large quantities.
As research continues to uncover the various health benefits of wine, it remains true that wine can be a valuable part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.