BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 29, 1998 - Several previous studies
have touted the benefits of drinking wine to prevent heart disease -- a
concept known as the "French paradox." A recent study of diet and drinking
patterns published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, however,
reveals that people who drink wine tend to choose foods that are healthier
for the heart.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Anne Tjonneland from the Danish Cancer
Society, Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, says, "The important message
in our study is that there is a strong association between the intake of
wine and healthy food habits. Studies showing wine-drinkers to have lower
incidence of ischemic heart disease may be attributable not only to the
wine itself, but to their other dietary choices."
The study included a random sample of 48,763 Danish men and women. Subjects
were asked to complete a questionnaire about their drinking and eating
habits. Data were analyzed and grouped according to drinking patterns as
nondrinkers or wine, beer, spirits, or mixed (combination) drinkers; wine
drinkers were further grouped according to average number of drinks per
month. Frequency of intake of foods considered indicators of a healthy
diet were determined from the questionnaire. For the purposes of this study,
a "healthy diet" was defined by high intake of fruit, vegetables, salad,
and fish; reduced intake of saturated fat; and the use of olive oil in
cooking. Results showed that moderate wine drinkers (1 to 3 glasses per
day) consumed the most heart-healthy diet.
While the authors acknowledge that the patterns revealed in this study
may be a Danish phenomenon, it is likely that their findings are representative
of drinking and eating patterns in other regions as well. However, how
much influence a healthy diet has on the etiology of ischemic heart disease
compared to the intake of wine, remains to be answered in a prospectively
designed study.
This media release is provided by The American Society for Nutritional
Sciences and The American Society for Clinical Nutrition and is intended
to provide current information on health and nutrition-related research.
This information should not be construed as medical advice. If you have
a medical concern, consult your doctor. |