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Study: wine is healthier for the heart than vodka
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Regular but moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is the opinion of most modern cardiologists. Small doses of alcohol have a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels.
Red wine in particular stands out on this list due to its antioxidant properties.
Frank Sellk, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Rhode Island Hospital, and colleagues studied the effects of vodka and Pinot Noir red wine on pigs.
By the way, if the expression “drunk as a pig” ever comes out of your mouth, you will immediately remember this study.
The scientists' subjects suffered from elevated cholesterol levels in the blood - the specialists specifically took an organism that was experiencing health problems, for example, suffering from obesity. Previously, researchers had already proven the positive effect of small doses of alcohol, but never in combination with high cholesterol and the consequences that follow from it.
"We found that moderate amounts of alcohol do reduce the risk of heart disease, but dry red wine has the greatest effect," says Dr. Sellk. "It may provide more protection because of the antioxidants it contains."
The pigs were divided into three groups: the first group, the control group, did not drink any alcohol at all, the second and third groups received doses of dry wine and vodka, respectively, with their food. The amount of alcohol that the pigs consumed was calculated so that the ethyl alcohol content was equal for both groups.
After a week, the experts found that the pigs that were given wine or vodka had significantly improved blood flow to the heart. The best results were recorded in those who consumed red wine. In addition, the level of good cholesterol increased in this group.
The experts also found out the difference between the two alcoholic drinks. Although the effect of wine and vodka is almost the same, they act differently. Vodka stimulates the growth of collateral blood vessels, and wine dilates blood vessels.
Whether experiments with humans will produce similar results remains to be seen.
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