Some swear by an occasional glass of red wine after a long week, but how beneficial is this supposedly ‘healthy’ tipple, and what do experts have to say about it? As plans for a ‘unique’ new study are unveiled, the Mirror takes a look
Popular wisdom has it that a nice glass of red wine could do you the world of good – on occasion at least – and it may not just be wishful thinking.
A ‘unique experiment’ entitled Colo-Prevent is now looking at whether or not resveratrol, a natural compound mostly found in red grapes – and red grape products such as wine – could help prevent bowel cancer. The major new trial is led by professor of translational cancer research at the University of Leicester, Karen Brown, whose previous research determined that purified resveratrol could hinder the growth of cancer cells in small doses.
“We are embarking on a unique experiment to see how drugs could stop bowel polyps from growing,” Prof Brown said. “This trial could have big implications for how we prevent bowel cancer in people who are most likely to develop the disease as they get older.”
It is not the first time that a glass of red has been spoken of in terms of nutritional benefits, with many health-conscious swearing by an occasional sip as part of a balanced, Mediterranean diet. Even the late Dr Michael Mosley spoke of his enjoyment of drinking red wine in moderation, telling Just One Thing listeners that this was ‘pretty much the only alcohol’ he drank, on account of its ‘surprising health benefits’.
But is red wine actually good for you, and in what ways could you benefit from a Friday night tipple?
Even moderate intakes of alcohol can increase the risk of heart condition atrial fibrillation and can contribute to obesity, sleep-disordered breathing and high blood pressure. However according to nutritionist Kerry Torrens, red wine in particular could well bring with it a range of possible benefits besides taste.
This includes potentially supporting gut health, with plant compounds found in wine acting as a fuel source for our all-important good bacteria. Reducing insulin resistance is a potential benefit when it comes to your favourite plonk, with resveratrol having the potential to help blood sugar levels in check, as reported by BBC Good Food.
Anti-inflammatory properties are also a reportedly significant plus – with red wine containing plant compounds with potentially antioxidant properties, which you can also find in products such as blueberries, strawberries, walnuts and green tea.
The most famous purported benefit of red wine is perhaps its potential to protect against heart disease, when drank in moderation, primarily among men over the age of 40 and women who’ve gone through menopause. However, as explained by Torrens, there isn’t much evidence to suggest this would be a beneficial treat for younger individuals.
Torrens also went on to weigh up the pros and cons of this ancient beverage, which has been enjoyed across the world since around 7000 BC. Despite its rich history, and widely accepted prevalence in many modern cultures, alcohol – including wine – is regarded as ‘a toxic and psychoactive substance’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which contributes to some three million deaths globally every single year.
With this in mind, Torrens wrote: “Light to moderate consumption of red wine may bring health benefits. For example, it may have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood coagulation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“The problem is most of us don’t drink light to moderate amounts and the benefits of alcohol need to be evaluated within the context of other aspects of our lives. For example, the cardiovascular benefits may be outweighed if our alcohol consumption and other lifestyle and dietary factors increase our risk of cancer. Breast cancer is one form of cancer where alcohol consumption is a risk factor.
“It is also worth remembering that high levels of alcohol disrupt sleep, cloud judgement and potentially interact with prescribed medication, so keeping to low-moderate levels is, without doubt, the most sensible approach.”
Meanwhile, British Heart Foundation (BHF)-funded research published in 2018, which examined the effect of alcohol consumption on heart and circulatory diseases, found that the risks outweighed the benefits – concluding that drinking more than the recommended limits will negatively affect your health.
Discussing this research, senior dietician Victoria Taylor said: “It’s therefore not a good idea to drink wine to protect your heart. If you do drink alcohol, don’t exceed 14 units a week. A unit is 10ml of pure alcohol, so 14 units is about six medium (175ml) glasses of wine (13 per cent ABV) or six pints of lager or cider (four per cent ABV) – this is a maximum, not a target.
“If you do drink 14 units a week, spread them out and have some alcohol-free days, as binge drinking can increase your heart disease and stroke risk. If you’re taking medications, you should also talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any effect alcohol might have.”
Looking ahead to this new trial, it’s hoped that about 1,300 patients between the ages of 50 and 73 will partake in the study, which will be conducted across 60 locations in England and Wales by the start of 2028. As the fourth most common cancer in the UK, bowel cancer affects an estimated 44,000 people are diagnosed every year – approximately about 120 a day. Although the cause is not always known, the NHS advises people to make sure they exercise regularly, eat plenty of fruit and veg, quit smoking, and consume less alcohol.
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