Moderate wine consumption-consumed responsibly within a proper dietary lifestyle-reduces the risk of heart disease. Recent studies confirm the “J Curve.”
- Researchers from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) publish evidence on the health impact of moderate alcohol consumption within a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the decrease in cardiac risk, especially of ischemic heart disease (IHD), which is the leading cause of death in Italy;
- A benefit to our well-being that, when associated with the Mediterranean diet, not only impacts cardiovascular health, but also cognitive health, contributing to longevity and quality of life.
Wine consumption, an important part of Italy’s convivial culture, has in recent years been the focus of constant debate about its alleged health benefits or harms Beyond the quantities taken. Yet epidemiological studies have long shown that moderate wine consumption, over an adult lifetime and in combination with proper lifestyles, is not only not harmful, but can contribute to longevity by contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular disease, especially ischemic heart disease (IHD), which is the leading cause of death in Italy.
The study published in Nature Communications
A recent study just published in Nature Communications and conducted by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) researchers adds to the many international publications on the topic of alcohol consumption and ischemic heart disease (IHD). The study explores The complex relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease, offering a comprehensive reassessment of existing data and using innovative meta-analytic techniques to elucidate the effects of alcohol on heart health. The amount of data analyzed by the authors is particularly significant: in fact, a Systematic review of data from 122 observational studies published between 1970 and 2021.
Through this comparison, the authors confirmed that moderate alcohol consumption is inversely associated with the risk of IHD, finding a J-shaped relationship in which low to moderate alcohol consumption (up to about 50 g/day) is associated with a lower risk of morbidity and mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and morbidity from myocardial infarction (MI). A result that offers a new perspective in the ongoing debate regarding the impact of alcohol on heart health: in fact, experts agree that Moderate wine consumption, in combination with healthy diets and appropriate lifestyles, can have positive effects on health Of citizens. As well as a positive impact on the social costs of the disease, as those who survive a heart attack become chronically ill, with a significant economic cost to society.
The concept of the “J Curve”
The link between wine consumption, diet, and cardiovascular well-being was also reaffirmed by the Prof. Attilio Giacosa, Professor of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy; Gastroenterologist at CDI Milan; former Director of the Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition Unit at the National Institute for Cancer Research in Genoa, who was elected President of IRVAS a few days ago.
“Italian and international epidemiological studies have already amply demonstrated that habitual and moderate consumption of wine, over the course of adult life and in combination with a proper eating style, such as that of the Mediterranean tradition, is not harmful, but is instead beneficial. The concept of the “j” curves that is reiterated by the GBD study-that is, the relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality identified with a “J”-shaped curve-has in fact long been known to the scientific literature. This curve shows that drinking wine in moderation reduces mortality compared to teetotalers (lower “J” curve), while mortality increases dramatically with increasing alcohol consumption (vertical “J” stretch)“.
Lower risk of cognitive impairment
“It is important to emphasize – Prof. Giacosa continues – that this virtuous relationship between moderate wine intake and health, according to the “j” curve model, is not only applicable to cardiovascular health, but also to other aspects, for example to cognitive health. A moderate intake of wine within a Mediterranean-style diet-which also includes the consumption of oil, fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds and fish-can contribute, therefore, to our general well-being, promoting not only increased lifespan but also lower risks of cognitive impairment“.
Wine, in short, should not be perceived as a health risk element, as long as it is consumed responsibly within a proper dietary lifestyle, like that of our Mediterranean tradition, in moderate quantities and during meals, according to a positive pattern of consumption, often associated with moments of socialization and conviviality.
IRVAS – Institute for Research on Wine, Food and Health
The Institute for Research on Wine, Food and Health (IRVAS) was established to promote and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and information of issues concerning the Mediterranean diet and the moderate and conscious consumption of wine, in relation to proper nutrition, health and well-being of the population, safeguarding and enhancing the culture of the area.
The institute’s goals are to research, explore, compare and involve academics, institutions, industry and health professionals to transparently educate consumers and make culture about wine, food and health.
The institute has the legal form of a nonprofit association.
