Study shows half to one glass of wine is beneficial

A new study suggests that drinking a moderate amount of wine might help lower the risk of heart disease. The research was conducted by Professor Ramon Estruch and his team in Spain. It found that having half to one glass of wine a day can reduce severe cardiovascular issues in certain individuals. The study involved 1,232 participants who had risk factors for heart disease, like diabetes or high blood pressure. They were asked to follow a Mediterranean diet and provide urine samples to check their actual wine consumption. Over four to five years, the researchers monitored health outcomes. They discovered that light-to-moderate wine drinkers had a 50% lower risk of cardiovascular problems compared to those who drank more. Professor Estruch emphasized that the study's findings reveal greater health benefits of moderate wine drinking than previous research suggested. However, overconsumption negated these benefits. Participants older than 35 were studied, and it is recommended that women should drink less wine than men. Experts, including Professor Paul Leeson, noted that the study's strength lies in its scientific approach to measuring wine intake, rather than relying on self-reported data. They reported that drinking between three to 35 glasses a month could be beneficial, equating to no more than one bottle of wine a week. Despite the promising results, experts warn against excessive drinking. Tracy Parker from the British Heart Foundation reminded everyone that while moderate wine consumption may be linked to lower risks, heavy drinking poses serious health dangers. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle to protect heart health. Weekend drinking or carefree consumption is not advised based on these findings, and further research is necessary to fully understand the effects.