By Patrick Driessen
Men who drink less than half a glass of red wine a day may live up to five years longer than teetotallers, and could have less chance of a heart attack, a Dutch study has found.
An analysis of the impact of alcohol on men's health by a team at Wageningen University in the Netherlands found that long-term light consumption - less than 20 grams daily - is more beneficial than being teetotal. Although the findings are not the first to link a moderate intake of alcohol with certain health benefits, the study is the first to examine the effects of different drinks, claiming that wine/champagne is much healthier than beer or spirits!
The research, reported in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, was undertaken by a team led by Dr Marinette Streppel of the University Division of Human Nutrition, which examined the lifestyle and alcohol consumption of 1,373 Dutch men born between 1900 and 1920 whose health had been examined regularly between 1960 and 2000. The men were studied to see how much alcohol they consumed, what type, and over what period of time, to find out if their risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke or other cause was affected.
The researchers concluded that drinking up to 20 grams a day could extend men's lifespan by up to two years over those who avoided alcohol. They also found that men who drank only wine, and less than half a glass a day, lived for about two and a half years longer than those who drank beer or spirits, and almost five years more than teetotallers.
The researchers concluded that drinking up to 20 grams a day could extend men's lifespan by up to two years over those who avoided alcohol. They also found that men who drank only wine, and less than half a glass a day, lived for about two and a half years longer than those who drank beer or spirits, and almost five years more than teetotallers.
The researchers say: "Long-term wine consumers had about five years longer life expectancy at age 50 compared with non-alcohol users. Of these five years, about two years can be attributed to an effect of alcohol intake. The remaining three years can be attributed to an effect of wine consumption." For the study, 70% of the wine consumed was red. The researchers add: "This suggests that the cardioprotective effect of wine could be due to a protective effect of polyphenolic compounds in red wine, but other explanations can
not be ruled out." Some evidence shows that very moderate alcohol intake can be beneficial, but this must be weighed up against the serious harms caused by drinking more than moderate amounts. For example, in men, drinking more than half a glass a day, there's a drop in life expectancy!
And individual risk must be taken into account. Research earlier this year found that drinking a small glass of wine per day increases the risk of cancer in women! The notion that we can somehow use alcohol for health benefit is a dangerous one. Swapping a healthy lifestyle for half a glass of wine a day would be counter-productive.
And individual risk must be taken into account. Research earlier this year found that drinking a small glass of wine per day increases the risk of cancer in women! The notion that we can somehow use alcohol for health benefit is a dangerous one. Swapping a healthy lifestyle for half a glass of wine a day would be counter-productive.
Other scientific research focused on the positive effects of red wine, has found that Pinot Noir in particular has the most positive effects on our brain and heart. It turns out that the Pinot Noir grape tends to contain significantly, often exponentially, higher amounts of what is now being revered as the most important health component in red wine found to date, and some say one of the most significant anti-aging compounds known so far: resveratrol. So... Pinot Noir would be your healthiest red wine choice!
Here are some of the health benefits of red wine in general, as found by a variety of popular research studies from over the last decade:
- The "French Paradox" studies illustrate that regular red wine consumption in moderation appears to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems, even despite a high-fat diet.
- Lowers risk of Alzheimer's: several studies show that resveratrol lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer's, by reducing the levels of amyloid-beta peptides, which are responsible for the disease.
- Boosts memory: researchers at Ohio State University found that moderate amounts of alcohol - amounts equivalent to two drinks per day for a human - improved the memories of laboratory rats.
- Has been shown to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.
- Anti-carcinogenic/anti-cancer properties: inhibits cellular events associated with the initiation, promotion, and progression of tumors.
- Contains powerful antioxidant polyphenols, which contribute to anti-cancer, anti-aging benefits including helping to fight heart disease, vision disorders, allergies, viral infections, and more.
So now the main question is: can you and will you discipline yourself to drink less than half a glass of red wine each and every day? Knowing that this personal health investment results in a longer life; it's worth trying!
Make this a Positive & Fruitful day....unless you have other plans!
Warm regards & success,
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