Research: wine is more useful for the heart than vodka
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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Regular, but moderate consumption of alcohol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This opinion is expressed by most modern cardiologists. Small doses of alcohol have beneficial effects on the heart and blood vessels.
Red wine in particular stands out in this list due to its antioxidant properties.
Frank Sellk, head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Rhode Island Clinic, together with colleagues studied the effects of vodka and red wine from the Pinot Noir grape variety on pigs.
By the way, if someday from your lips the phrase "drunk as a pig" breaks out, then you immediately remember about this research.
Experimental scientists suffered from an elevated level of cholesterol in the blood - experts specially took an organism that is experiencing health problems, for example, is obese. Previously, researchers have already proven the positive effects of small doses of alcohol, but never in combination with high cholesterol and the consequences that follow.
"We found that a moderate amount of alcohol really reduces the risk of developing heart disease, but the greatest effect still gives red dry wine," says Dr. Sellk. "It can provide more reliable protection through the antioxidants that make up its composition."
Pigs were divided into three groups: the first group - the control group - did not drink anything at all, the second and third groups received along with food doses of dry wine and vodka, respectively. The amount of alcohol consumed by pigs was calculated so that the content of ethyl alcohol was equal for both groups.
At the end of the week, experts found that pigs who received wine or vodka significantly improved the flow of blood to the heart. The best results were recorded in those who consumed red wine. In addition, the level of good cholesterol has risen in this group.
The specialists also found out the difference between two alcoholic drinks. Although the effect of wine and vodka is almost the same, they act in different ways. Vodka stimulates the growth of collateral blood vessels, and wine dilates the vessels.
Will experiments with people give similar results, remains to be seen.
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