Wine drinkers live longer than beer guzzlers

[Guest guest]

Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own

opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic.

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Public release date: 31-Jan-2005

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-01/bpl-wdl013105.php

Contact: Sharon Agsalda

medicalnews@...

1-

Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Wine drinkers live longer than beer guzzlers

A recent article in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis determined

that drinkers of wine benefit from its cardio-protective effects, more

so than those who drink beer or other spirits, and may also live longer.

The article is part of a series of papers published in an open forum on

wine, alcohol and cardiovascular risk. The analysis, encompassing

various international studies, further confirms the agreement among

researchers that any alcohol, in light to moderate intake, puts drinkers

at lower risk for cardiovascular disease and death than non-drinkers.

" It is also known from a number of studies that wine drinkers in many

cultures are from a higher socio-economic status and have a better diet

than non-wine drinkers, " states Professor Morten Grønbæk, author of the

article. This may be an important factor adding to the beneficial

results of wine intake. The French are noted to have a relatively low

rate of cardiovascular disease, despite high smoking rates and a typical

high fat diet. The fact that the French consume more wine than

Americans, for example, is a probable reason to explain this so-called

paradox.

According to the article, substances in wine have been shown to share

the characteristics of ethanol, which can help to prevent blood

clotting, in addition to cardio-protective effects. Additional data

revealed benefits from wine with regard to mortality from cancer, over

other alcoholic beverages. Further evidence show that the disease

fighting antioxidants present in fruit and vegetables, are also present

in wine.

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

" Ask the Parkinson Dietitian " http://www.parkinson.org/

" Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease "

" Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy "

http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/