Enjoying wine moderately – the Mediterranean way

The Mediterranean way of drinking – regular but moderate wine consumption with food – increases longevity, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and does not appreciably influence the overall risk of cancer.

According to an Italian research team, the total mortality risk can assess the best the balance between health benefits and risks. The great majority of epidemiological studies investigating the relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality show a J-shaped curve.

The lowest mortality and maximum protective effect was observed at an average intake of 20g/day. At 72 g/d, the risk of abstainers is reached (this means the risk of abstainers and drinkers are the same) and from 89 g/d on, severe health risks can be seen. Considering the difference between men and women, a daily consumption up to 15g of alcohol for women and up to 30 g for men can be recommended (in line with the Wine in moderation guidelines).

When distinguishing between the various alcoholic beverages, the evidence shows a greater benefit of wine in terms of mortality risks. It is assumed that this advantage of wine is due to its polyphenolic substances (such as quercetin, catechin, resveratrol, etc.). The polyphenols not only act as antioxidants and influence the blood sugar positively, they also exert neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects and prevent blood coagulation.

The authors consider a Mediterranean drinking patternThe Mediterranean diet, which includes moderate consumption of wine, is considered ... – mainly wine, regularly and moderately with the meals –as optimal for health. This kind of drinking pattern is associated with a lower CVD, cancer and total mortality risk.

Giacosa A. et al, Mediterranean way of drinking and longevity, 2016, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56:635-640.

For more information about this article, read the scientific abstract here.