The debate over whether wine is healthier than beer has been around for a long time, especially when it comes to the calories and carbohydrates in each drink.
Finally, a new study brings good news for wine lovers – especially those who prefer a glass of sauvignon to a beer – suggesting that this choice may be linked to a longer life.
A large study of over 340,000 adults in the UK found that the health risk from alcohol depends not only on the amount consumed, but also on the type of drink.
The results showed that wine drinkers have a "significantly lower risk of death" compared to those who prefer beer, cider or spirits.
It was also observed that people who consume wine in moderation are much less likely to develop heart disease than those who consume small amounts of beer, cider or spirits.
Zhangling Chen, a professor at Central South University in China and the lead author of the study, stressed that "the health risks of alcohol depend not only on the amount consumed, but also on the type of drink."
He added: "Even low or moderate consumption of spirits, beer or cider is associated with a higher risk of mortality, while wine consumption at these levels may be associated with a lower risk."
The study was conducted over a 13-year period and analyzed data from participants in the UK Biobank program, which collects medical information to improve public health.
According to the researchers, moderate consumption was considered:
for men: 20–40 grams of alcohol per day
for women: 10–20 grams per day
This roughly translates to:
1.5 to 3 glasses of wine per day for men
0.75 to 1.5 cups for women
The study showed that moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who rarely or never drank.
In contrast, those who consumed hard liquor, beer or cider had about a 9% higher risk of death from these diseases.
According to Prof. Chen, these differences may also be influenced by other factors such as lifestyle, consumption patterns, and daily habits.
In fact, it was observed that wine drinkers often have healthier diets and higher economic status. They are also more likely to consume alcohol with meals – a habit that is considered healthier.
Meanwhile, beer, cider and spirits drinkers were less likely to pair alcohol with food.
However, the study clearly highlights that, overall, alcohol consumption is associated with poorer health and a higher risk of serious diseases.
People who consume alcohol in high amounts (above moderate levels) had:
36% higher risk of dying from cancer
24% higher risk of death from any cause
14% higher risk of death from heart disease
The authors warn that comparisons with non-drinkers should be made with caution, as this category also includes individuals who avoid alcohol due to existing health problems.
They also point out that the study is observational, meaning it cannot prove cause and effect. For this reason, further research – particularly experimental studies – is needed to confirm these findings. /GazetaExpress/
t7 live
