Hundred years ago, experts observed that chest pain, also known as angina, was far less common in France than in other countries. This comparatively low rate of heart disease in France despite a diet that includes plenty of butter and cheese was later called the French paradox.
Experts suggested that red wine makes the difference. However, the diet and lifestyle in parts of France, especially in the south, have much in common with other Mediterranean regions, and these also account for some of the protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Evidence showed that red wine, when drunk before a meal, offers more cardiovascular benefits than beers or spirits. Wine drinking countries have a lower prevalence of coronary heart diseases than in beer or liquor drinking nations.
Why is Wine Healthy?
Aside from alcohol, red wine contains polyphenols, which can help relax the blood vessel walls. They prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, which is a key in the formation of plaque.
Flavonoids impart the unique color and taste of wines. They are also present in other plant foods such as apples, blueberries, strawberries, onions, dark chocolates, and teas. Other polyphenols specific to red wine include epicatechins, resveratrol, and quercetin. Red wine is said to be more beneficial for health than white wine because it contains about 10 times more polyphenols.
Because of the health benefits from wine are often attributed to its polyphenol content, experts have looked at dealcoholized wines. These drinks undergo fermentation. The ethanol is filtered out while preserving polyphenols. Results of small studies showed that dealcoholized wine helped reduce insulin resistance and increased levels of nitric oxide among individuals with heart disease risk factors. These relax the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Beer Also Contains Phenolic Compounds
Beer also contains phenolic compounds such as epicatechins, gallic acid, and quercetin but in lower amounts. The majority of polyphenols in beer, approximately 75%, come from barley malt. The remaining 25% is from the flowers of the hop plant.
However, the amount of polyphenols in alcoholic drinks is modest compared to the total amount of polyphenols in several plant foods. Increasing one’s intake of apples, berries, onions, and teas provide a much higher amount of polyphenols than having an extra glass of beer or wine. The true health benefit of drinking alcohol is not likely its polyphenol content, but the effects of ethanol itself.
Drinking Pattern is More Important Than Alcohol Type
Despite the healthful compounds present in red wine, epidemiological studies cannot confirm it as the most effective type of alcoholic drink for the reduction of cardiovascular risk.
Some studies observed that light to moderate amounts of all alcoholic drinks can help reduce diabetes and cardiovascular risk when consumed in equal quantities. This suggests that ethanol itself, not the varying compounds found in different types of alcohol, has a much greater influence on health benefits.
Another study examined the drinking habits of thousands of men over 12 years. Moderate drinkers were 30-35% less likely to have a heart attack than non-drinkers. These men drank different types of alcohol, including wine, beer, and spirits. Results also found that the frequency of drinking matters. Men who drank 3 or more days per week had lower risks of heart attack compared to those who drank once or twice weekly.
A review of alcohol consumption in women also revealed that drinking smaller amounts of alcohol, regardless of type, over 4 or more days is more beneficial than having the same amount in 1 or 2 days.
Is Wine or Beer Healthier?
The American Heart Association, therefore, concludes that 1-2 drinks a day for men and up to 1 drink a day for women can help reduce cardiovascular risk, without consistent evidence showing that wine or beer offers greater benefits than other alcoholic drinks. However, instead of just focusing on alcohol intake, people are advised to practice a healthy lifestyle, which includes a proper diet and exercise.
To reap the heart-health benefits of drinking, moderation is key! If you choose to imbibe, drop by Village Warehouse Wine and Spirits to get a good selection of wines, beers, gins, whiskey, and more.
