A new study has found that moderate wine consumption, part of a Mediterranean diet, may be more effective than statins at lowering the risk of heart attacks. Researchers from the University of Barcelona measured wine consumption accurately through urine samples and followed 1,232 participants for four to five years. The results showed that those who drank 12 to 35 glasses of wine per month had a 50% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who consumed no more than one glass.
Statins, commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, reduced the risk by around 30%. However, the study found that the health benefits of moderate wine consumption diminished for those who drank excessively. The findings are in line with previous studies suggesting wine contains antioxidants and may have protective effects on the heart.
However, experts caution against misinterpreting these results, reminding consumers that excessive drinking can still lead to harm. Monika Arora from the World Health Federation noted that “claims of moderate drinking reducing cardiovascular disease risk should be approached with caution” due to potential biases in past studies. The Portman Group also emphasized the need not to exaggerate the risks associated with moderate drinking and to avoid alarming responsible consumers.
In contrast, previous Chief Medical Officer Dame Sally Davies had advised women to consider breast cancer risks when consuming wine, sparking concerns about “nanny state” warnings.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14203889/one-glass-wine-day-halve-risk-heart-attack.html