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Date Published: 30/12/2024

A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away, according to a new Spanish study

Scientists in Spain have revealed that wine can be beneficial to heart health in some over 40s

The long-standing debate about whether a daily glass of wine is good for your health has taken an exciting turn, especially for those of us who enjoy a tipple, thanks to new research from Spain.

While some argue that no amount of alcohol is truly healthy, a fresh study led by Professor Ramón Estruch from the University of Barcelona and the Hospital Clínico de Barcelona offers compelling evidence in favour of moderate wine consumption - at least for certain groups.

According to the findings, published in the ‘European Heart Journal’, drinking a small to moderate amount of wine, particularly as part of a Mediterranean diet, significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals at high risk of heart disease.

Specifically, consuming between half a glass and one glass of wine daily can lower the likelihood of a serious cardiovascular issue by an impressive 50%.

“This study demonstrates the importance of moderate wine consumption within a healthy dietary pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet. Until now, we believed that 20% of the effects of the Mediterranean diet could be attributed to moderate wine consumption; however, in light of these results, the effect may be even greater,” Professor Estruch explained.

Less is more

The study also revealed that light wine consumption - defined as one glass per week to less than half a glass per day - still offered a 38% reduction in cardiovascular risk. However, the protective benefits vanished in participants who drank more than one glass daily, reinforcing the importance of moderation.

Unlike many earlier studies that relied on self-reported wine intake, this research took a more precise approach by measuring tartaric acid, a chemical found in wine, in participants’ urine.

“By measuring tartaric acid in urine, together with questionnaires on food and drink, we have been able to obtain a more precise measurement of wine consumption,” Professor Estruch explained.

“We have found a much greater protective effect of wine than has been observed in other studies. A 50% reduction in risk is much higher than that achieved with some drugs, such as statins.”

While these findings are encouraging, the professor cautioned that the study focused on 1,232 elderly individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease, all living in Mediterranean countries.

“The results may not be applicable to other populations,” he noted. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of age, suggesting that the protective effects of moderate wine consumption become evident from the age of 35-40.

Women, Professor Estruch added, should consume no more than half the amount recommended for men, and wine should always be enjoyed with meals.

In an accompanying editorial, Professor Giovanni de Gaetano from IRCCS NEUROMED in Italy praised the study for introducing urinary tartaric acid as a reliable biomarker for wine consumption.

“The study represents an important step forward in our understanding of the complex relationship between wine consumption and cardiovascular health,” he said.

De Gaetano highlighted that while moderate wine consumption appears to have cardiovascular benefits, overindulgence carries risks.

“This work not only supports the idea that light to moderate wine consumption can be part of a heart-healthy diet, but also underlines the importance of moderation.”

So, the great debate over alcohol and health looks set to continue. But while a glass of wine a day might not be a magical cure, when paired with the Mediterranean diet and enjoyed responsibly, it could be a heart-friendly choice worth raising a toast to.

Also of interest: 12 grapes for 12 bells: This is how the Spanish celebrate New Years

Image: Freepik

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