"How about a glass tonight?"
Did you know that drinking a glass of wine daily can be more effective than some medications in reducing cardiovascular disease rates? A study led by Professor Ramon Estruch from the University of Barcelona investigated the impact of wine consumption on heart health among 1,232 adults with an average age of 68. The researchers analyzed dietary and beverage intake questionnaires and measured tartaric acid levels in urine samples collected at the start and one year into the study to uncover the relationship between wine and cardiovascular disease.
Tartaric Acid: The Voice of Wine
Tartaric acid is an organic compound found almost exclusively in grapes and wine. When you drink wine, tartaric acid passes through your body largely unchanged and is excreted in your urine. This unique trait allows researchers to measure tartaric acid levels in urine to accurately determine how much wine you’ve consumed.
Can Wine Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?
This study was conducted to explore the potential benefits of wine in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The findings revealed that moderate levels of tartaric acid in the urine (3–35 µg/mL) were strongly associated with a significant reduction in CVD risk.
Tartaric acid levels of 3–12 µg/mL: 38% reduction in CVD risk!
Tartaric acid levels of 12–35 µg/mL: 50% reduction in CVD risk!
However, when tartaric acid levels were too low (<1 µg/mL) or too high (>35 µg/mL), the protective effect diminished. The takeaway? Moderate wine consumption can protect you from cardiovascular disease, but drinking too much offers no additional benefit.
The Hidden Health Secret in Wine: Polyphenols
Wine isn’t just about alcohol. It’s packed with polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that are known to protect the heart and blood vessels. These compounds neutralize harmful free radicals, lower blood pressure by improving blood vessel dilation, and reduce inflammation in the body.
Particularly, resveratrol, a polyphenol abundant in red wine, has been shown to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") and improve circulation, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
"Health and Enjoyment, All in One Glass of Wine"
The scientific evidence is clear: moderate wine consumption can be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. The key, however, is moderation. One or two glasses a day can protect your heart, but excessive drinking can do more harm than good.
So, the next time you pour yourself a glass of wine, feel free to say, "Tartaric acid has my back!" But don’t forget: a balanced diet and regular exercise remain the best ways to protect your health. Cheers to scientifically enjoying a glass of wine and living a healthy, happy life! 🥂
Inés Domínguez-López, Urinary tartaric acid as a biomarker of wine consumption and cardiovascular risk: the PREDIMED trial, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae804
