Study Reveals Wine Drinkers May Have Lower Heart Disease Risk Than Beer or Spirits

A new study suggests that moderate wine drinkers may face fewer health risks than those who avoid alcohol or drink other types. Researchers found a 21% lower risk of death from heart disease among this group. The findings were presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting. The study analysed data from over 340,000 British adults who took part in the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2022. It compared mortality risks across different drinking habits, focusing on wine, beer, cider, and spirits.

Low to moderate wine consumption showed a potential protective effect, particularly for cardiovascular health. In contrast, even small amounts of beer, cider, or spirits were linked to a 9% higher risk of death compared to non-drinkers. Heavy drinkers faced even greater dangers, with a 36% higher chance of dying from cancer and a 14% increase in heart disease deaths.

The researchers noted that wine is often consumed with meals and by people who follow healthier lifestyles. These factors, along with the type of alcohol, appear to influence mortality risks. Zhangling Chen, the study's senior author and a professor at Central South University in China, highlighted that drinking patterns and associated behaviours play a key role in the findings. The results suggest that not all alcoholic drinks carry the same risks. Moderate wine consumption emerged as the least harmful option in this large-scale analysis. However, the study did not address official health guidelines on alcohol intake, which would require further review of policy documents.