Drinking moderate amounts of wine may lower the risk of serious cardiovascular disease in high-risk people, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. Researchers measured tartaric acid in participants’ urine to track their wine consumption and found that light-to-moderate wine drinkers had a 50% reduced risk of developing a cardiovascular event compared to those drinking very little or no wine.
The study, led by Professor Ramon Estruch from the University of Barcelona, followed 1,232 participants who were at high risk of cardiovascular disease but were following a Mediterranean diet. The researchers found that moderate wine consumption was associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk, particularly among those who consumed half to one glass of wine per day.
Previous studies on the effects of wine on cardiovascular health have produced inconsistent results, likely due to reliance on self-reported wine consumption. In contrast, this study used an objective and reliable measure of wine consumption, making it a valuable contribution to the field.
The researchers also found that moderate wine consumption was not associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease among those who consumed more than one glass per day. The findings suggest that light-to-moderate wine consumption may be part of a heart-healthy diet, particularly when combined with other healthy habits such as following a Mediterranean diet.
While the study’s results are promising, it is essential to note that the effects of moderate wine consumption on cardiovascular health may vary depending on individual factors such as age and sex. Further research is needed to explore the complex relationships between dietary habits, lifestyle, and health outcomes.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-12-moderate-amount-wine-cardiovascular-disease.html