Wine drinkers live longer than beer guzzlers

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 01 Feb 2005 - 6:00 PDT

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A recent article in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis determined that drinkers of wine benefit from its cardio-protective effects, more so than those who drink beer or other spirits, and may also live longer. The article is part of a series of papers published in an open forum on wine, alcohol and cardiovascular risk. The analysis, encompassing various international studies, further confirms the agreement among researchers that any alcohol, in light to moderate intake, puts drinkers at lower risk for cardiovascular disease and death than non-drinkers.

"It is also known from a number of studies that wine drinkers in many cultures are from a higher socio-economic status and have a better diet than non-wine drinkers," states Professor Morten Grønbæk, author of the article. This may be an important factor adding to the beneficial results of wine intake. The French are noted to have a relatively low rate of cardiovascular disease, despite high smoking rates and a typical high fat diet. The fact that the French consume more wine than Americans, for example, is a probable reason to explain this so-called paradox.

According to the article, substances in wine have been shown to share the characteristics of ethanol, which can help to prevent blood clotting, in addition to cardio-protective effects. Additional data revealed benefits from wine with regard to mortality from cancer, over other alcoholic beverages. Further evidence show that the disease fighting antioxidants present in fruit and vegetables, are also present in wine.

About the Author

Morten Grønbæk, Dr. Med. Sci., Ph.D. is a professor at the Centre for Alcohol Research, National Institute of Public Health inCopenhagen, Denmark. He received his degrees from the University of Copenhagen and is currently married with three sons. Dr. Grønbæk can be reached for questions and interviews at +45 39 20 77 77 or mg@niph.dk.

This article is published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article please contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.

About the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis

Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, the official journal of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, is advancing science related to the important medical problems of thrombosis, bleeding disorders and vascular biology through the diffusion and exchange of information and ideas within the international research community. The Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis is now available in print and online.

About Blackwell Publishing

Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with more than 550 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 750 journals and 600 text and reference books annually, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.

The Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis is available at CLICK HERE.

Sharon Agsalda - medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net
Blackwell Publishing Ltd