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Moderate wine consumption cuts stroke risk
The moderate consumption of wine (but not beer or spirits) is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, according to a new report. The authors believe wine¡¯s protective effects may be linked to disease-fighting compounds other than alcohol. ¡°Intake of wine is associated with lower risk of stroke,¡± concludes a 16-year Danish study led by Dr. Thomas Truelsen of Copen-hagen University Hospital (Journal of the American Heart Association, December, 1998).
Previous studies have suggested that moderate wine consumption (a glass a day, for example) may provide cardiovascular benefit. This phenomena is exemplified by what the Danish team call the ¡®French paradox¡¯ - ¡°a low incidence of cardiovascular disease in the (wine-drinking) French population despite an unfavorable exposure to known cardiovascular factors (such as smoking).¡± Investigating further, the authors tracked the stroke incidence of over 13,300 Danes for 16 years.
They report that, compared with abstainers, individuals who said they drank wine on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis had a 16%, 34%, and 32% reduced risk of stroke, respectively. The researchers found ¡°no association between intake of beer or spirits on risk of stroke.¡±
These findings suggest that other compounds in wine besides alcohol may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. ¡°Wine contains flavonoids and tannins,¡± the authors explain, ¡°which are components presumed to prevent cardiovascular disease.¡± They speculate that drinking patterns specific to wine lovers may also influence cardiovascular health. Wine is more commonly consumed at mealtimes than either beer or hard liquor, and ¡°these differences in ¡®timing¡¯ may be important,¡± according to the researchers. One recent study concluded that mealtime alcohol consumption reduced unhealthy alterations in blood composition that can occur after eating.
In a press release, the American Heart Association ¡°does not recommend that individuals start drinking to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.¡± Experts point out that excessive drinking can actually raise the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
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