Is the Secret in the Glass? Study Reveals Alcoholic Drink Linked to Lower Death Risk

The research, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, analyzed health data from over 340,000 adults in Britain. The participants were part of the UK Biobank study, a large-scale research repository that collected data between 2006 and 2022. Dr. Zhangling Chen, a professor at Central South University in China, noted that the risks could be even higher in high-risk groups, such as people with chronic diseases or cardiovascular conditions.

The study defined a drink as a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. Participants were divided into four groups: never or occasional, low, moderate, and heavy. Heavy drinkers showed a 36% higher likelihood of dying from cancer and a 14% higher likelihood of dying from heart disease.

According to the study, drinking spirits, beer, or cider was associated with a significantly higher risk of death, while wine consumption was linked to a significantly lower risk. Moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who never or rarely drank. However, the same does not apply to spirits, beer, or cider, as these drinks showed a 9% higher risk.

Dr. Chen emphasized that the health risks of alcohol depend not only on the amount consumed but also on the type of drink. Even low to moderate intake of spirits, beer, or cider is linked to higher mortality, while low to moderate intake of wine may carry a lower risk.

Researchers highlighted that wine tends to be consumed with food and by people with higher-quality diets and healthier behaviors in general. Wine contains compounds such as polyphenols and antioxidants that could have positive health impacts. Dr. Chen concluded that the type of alcohol, how it is consumed, and associated lifestyle behaviors contribute to the observed differences in mortality risk.

This study, while providing valuable information, should not be interpreted as a recommendation to consume alcohol. Experts still advise avoiding alcohol altogether.