A large-scale study conducted by the UK Biobank, involving 340,000 adults, has revealed that different types of alcohol have varying effects on health. According to the study, even under conditions of low to moderate consumption, beer, cider, and spirits are associated with a higher risk of mortality, while wine appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Research Findings
The study results, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual session, highlighted several significant trends regarding alcohol consumption. According to the data, moderate wine drinkers have a 21% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, even low-level consumption of beer, cider, and spirits increases this risk by 9%.
However, regardless of the type of beverage, excessive alcohol consumption drastically deteriorates health. In individuals who consume alcohol heavily, the risk of developing cancer increases by 36%, while the probability of heart disease rises by 14%.
Why is Wine an Exception?
Scientists explain this difference through several factors. Firstly, wine contains beneficial compounds, such as polyphenols and antioxidants. Furthermore, the culture of consumption plays a vital role: wine is often enjoyed with meals by individuals who generally maintain a healthy diet. Conversely, beer and spirits are frequently associated with poor nutrition and other harmful habits.
The study’s authors note that risks may be even higher for individuals with chronic illnesses. Additionally, the study is observational in nature and cannot fully establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Other research also indicates that regular alcohol consumption, regardless of the dosage, increases the risk of dementia and leads to a reduction in brain volume.
