The Zutphen study of 1373 men born between 1900 and 1920 were evaluated repeatedly between 1960 and 2000. Compared with no alcohol consumption, hazard ratios for cerebrovascular (stroke) mortality, cardiovasuclar (heart attack) mortality and all-cause mortality were strongly reduced in for those enjoying light alcohol intake. In lay terms; the risk of a stroke, heart attack and all other deaths is reduced with consumption of up to 20 grams of beer, wine and spirits per day.
Long term wine consumption that averaged less than half a glass per day was even more effective at reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack and other deaths. In short, men who drank less than half a glass of wine per day increased life expectancy by about 5 years - 2 attributed to alcohol and 3 to wine consumption.
Differences in socio-economic status did not explain the results.
Many studies have found this J-curve of reduced health risk in light to moderate red wine drinkers. But moderate to heavy consumption rapidly increases risk.
The mechanism is thought to be:
Increased HDL cholesterol
Preventin of blood clotting
Reduction in platelet aggregation
Polyphenol protection of artery wall
Resveratrol may trick the body into slowing ageing
Antioxidant protection is abundant
Comment: A good long term study and yet another beacon of optimism for those who enjoy a small amount (HALF A GLASS PER DAY) of red wine. Note also the benefit from other forms of alcohol in moderation. Perhaps we need not be afraid of a good Chardonnay or whiskey.