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A new study from the University of Barcelona confirms for the first time the positive effects of moderate wine consumption on cardiovascular health based on concrete measurement results. The researchers from the university and other Spanish institutions relied not on self-reports from participants about their wine consumption, but on a measurable indicator: the amount of tartaric acid in urine. This allowed the researchers to draw more accurate conclusions about the relationship between wine consumption and heart diseases.
The Spanish researchers compared the measured tartaric acid levels, which correlate with the amount and frequency of wine consumption, with the frequency of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure over a period of nine years. They analyzed data from 1,232 older individuals with an average age of 68 from a study focusing on the preventive effects of the Mediterranean diet. They also controlled for factors such as age, gender, education, smoking, and physical activity to make the results as precise as possible. Data from former alcoholics were not included. Critics have repeatedly argued that this group would distort the results. They also point to evidence of higher rates of certain cancers associated with alcohol consumption. However, in 2022, nearly 100,000 more people died from cardiovascular diseases than from cancer in the USA, as reported by Wine Spectator.
Participants who consumed three to 35 glasses of wine per month showed a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart attacks. The risk was slightly lower for those consuming twelve to 35 glasses per month compared to those consuming three to twelve glasses. Consuming less than three or more than 35 glasses per month had no significant positive effects. In women, the correlation was weaker, possibly due to the overall lower number of cardiovascular diseases in this group. The authors emphasize that the study is observational and cannot prove causality. The results apply specifically to an older Mediterranean population at high risk for cardiovascular diseases and may not be transferable to other populations.
Italian scientists from the European Neurological Institute in Pozzilli, who were not involved in the study, described this work in the journal "European Heart Journal" as an important addition to previous research. They provide convincing evidence for the relationship between moderate wine consumption and improved heart health through their methodology, which has addressed many previous criticisms. However, further, especially randomized controlled studies are needed to substantiate the results.
(al / Source: winespectator.com)