Moderate consumption of beer and wine reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, European scientists have found.
According to new research, beer protects the heart as well as wine.
The main question studied with large groups of people in the meta-analysis was whether there was a relationship between the amount and type of alcohol consumed and cardiovascular problems leading to a fatal outcome.
Polyphenols in wine derivatives are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease.
The new analysis includes 18 studies involving cases of fatal and non-fatal cardiac diseases. The units used by scientists for the amount of alcoholic beverage are "milliliter" and "gram" of absolute alcohol (AA). Half a liter of beer - 500 ml - contains about 20 g of AA, and 500 milliliters of wine - 45 g of AA.
According to the results, the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced by daily consumption of wine with an absolute alcohol content of 72 g. It is lowest in 21 g of AA.
In a study of 224,219 people, researchers found that the risk of cardiovascular problems decreased with the consumption of beer containing 55 g of absolute alcohol. The lowest risk is when using about 1 liter of beer, where the alcohol is 43 g.
Scientists have observed a protective effect in moderate consumption of both drinks - with a daily intake of 25 g of absolute alcohol.
The new research confirms the results of more than 30 previous meta-analyzes and studies, based on which it was found that the consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Experts suggest that this effect is stronger in low-alcohol wine and beer drinks due to the content of antioxidants and vitamins.
Beer is believed to be useful against cardiovascular disease due to the content of vitamins B6, B9 and B12. The valuable ingredients in the amber drink are in a suitable, easily digestible for the human body food and physiological form.
According to scientists, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease with moderate consumption of beer and wine is comparable to preventive measures such as taking aspirin, weight control or exercise.