Moderate wine consumption may significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease, according to a new study published on December 18 in the European Heart Journal. The research suggests that a glass of wine might serve as a potent ally in maintaining cardiovascular health.

The study revealed that individuals who drank between half to one glass of wine daily experienced a 50% reduction in their risk of cardiovascular events compared to non-drinkers. Even those who consumed less than half a glass per day or limited their intake to just one glass a week saw a 38% lower risk of heart issues. However, these protective effects disappeared among those who consumed more than one glass per day.

"We have found a much greater protective effect of wine than that observed in other studies," said Dr. Ramon Estruch, senior researcher and professor at the University of Barcelona. "A reduction in risk of 50% is much higher than can be achieved with some drugs, such as statins," he added in a press release.

Advanced Measurement Techniques Uncover Stronger Benefits

The study, part of a broader Spanish research initiative on the Mediterranean diet, employed a novel and precise method to measure wine consumption. Unlike prior studies relying on participants’ self-reported drinking habits, which can be prone to inaccuracies, this research analyzed levels of tartaric acid—a chemical naturally found in grapes and wine—in participants’ urine. This biomarker offers a reliable indication of wine or grape consumption within the previous five to six days.

Researchers tracked more than 1,200 individuals over a follow-up period of up to five years. During this time, 685 participants experienced heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular conditions. The findings showed that among older adults at high risk of heart disease who adhered to a Mediterranean diet, light-to-moderate wine consumption reduced cardiovascular risk by half.

"Until now, we believed that 20% of the effects of the Mediterranean diet could be attributed to moderate wine consumption," Dr. Estruch noted. "However, in light of these results, the effect may be even greater."

Age, Gender, and Cultural Considerations

Dr. Estruch cautioned that these findings might not apply universally. The study focused on older individuals at high cardiovascular risk living in Spain. Furthermore, he emphasized that moderate wine consumption could be deemed “acceptable” starting from age 35 to 40. He also advised that women should limit their intake to half the amount recommended for men and consume wine with meals.

Broader Implications for Public Health

The study’s use of urinary tartaric acid as an objective biomarker could reshape the understanding of alcohol’s impact on health, according to an editorial accompanying the research. Dr. Giovanni de Gaetano, head of epidemiology and prevention at IRCCS NEUROMED in Italy, praised the methodology as a “significant advancement in alcohol research.”

“It offers a more accurate and reliable measure of wine consumption, which could help resolve some of the ongoing debates about the health effects of alcohol,” the editorial stated.

The findings may prompt a reevaluation of public health guidelines surrounding moderate wine consumption. However, experts stress the importance of caution, advocating for tailored recommendations that consider individual health profiles and cultural contexts.