Wine, touted as the heart health drink, has come under the scanner. Scientists recently reviewed findings from more than 50 studies that looked at drinking’s impact on cardiovascular health.  The review, published in the British Medical Journal, found no cardiovascular benefits to drinking any alcohol, including wine.

The study found that some individuals who carry a specific gene that makes them less tolerant of the side effects of drinking wine (or any alcohol) are in fact, healthier and had reduced risk of coronary heart disease, lower blood pressure and body mass index.

Wine is a good source of antioxidants such as flavanoids and resveratrol. Scientists are trying to determine how these compounds may directly benefit the heart. However, till date there have been no direct comparison trials to determine the specific effect of wine on the risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Also, even if they were protective, antioxidants can be obtained from many fruits and vegetables, including red grapes.

Increase in HDL is the best known possible heart health effect of wine.  But this effect can be also obtained through physical activity.  Also, wine is believed to prevent stickiness of platelets in the blood (which causes clots and heart blocks). Fruits and vegetables provide the same benefits.

In light of these observations, the American Heart Association does not recommend drinking wine or any other alcohol to gain these heart health benefits. 

The study found that reducing the amount of alcoholic beverages consumed, even for light-to-moderate drinkers, may improve cardiovascular health and body mass index.

When it comes to alcohol, the take home message is “the lesser, the better”. To reduce heart disease risk, stay with the tried and trusted methods of regular physical activity, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, weight and stress management.