A glass of wine per day may reduce likelihood of heart disease, new study

Older adults who enjoy one alcoholic drink a day may have a lower risk of developing heart disease, according to a landmark Monash-led study. 

Researchers analysed the alcohol intake of 18,000 healthy adults aged in their mid-70s for over four years.

Compared to non drinkers, it was found that those who ingested 5 to 10 standard drinks a week were less likely to die from any cause, and had a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

The self reported alcohol intake was gathered from participants in the global ASPREE trial, an ongoing clinical study that analyses the effects of low dose aspirin in older adults.

The findings, published today in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, follows previous evidence which suggests that light alcohol intake may be beneficial for the heart.

According to recent data, older Australians are more likely to exceed the recommended daily drinking guidelines than any other age group.

Heavy alcohol consumption has been identified as the greatest risk factor for dementia and has been linked to stroke, liver failure, cancers and heart disease. 

According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), healthy adults should ingest no more than 10 standard drinks each week to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol. 

Do you have an idea for a story?
Email [email protected]