The benefits of the daily consumption of alcoholic beverages have teetered on both sides of the benefit see saw. Some researchers, scientists and doctors believe that the regular consumption of alcoholic beverages in low moderation, offers a positive effect on the heart and cardiovascular system. In European countries, these beliefs go even further by claiming red wine offers more benefit for the heart than any other form of alcohol. Now researchers are finding that a little may be good, but a little too much can negate those positive effects.
A recent study, completed in Canada, measured bodily response to alcohol. The 13 volunteers for the study were given either red wine, ethanol or water during three separate sessions falling within a two week period. When the volunteers consumed 1 (one) alcoholic drink, the benefits on the cardiovascular system were quite evident. The
Blood vessels opened to allow for the heart to work less, and the blood platelets were less likely to stick together which may reduce the chances of blood clot formation associated with
Heart attack and
Stroke.
When participants consumed a second alcoholic drink, the benefits of the first drink were immediately negated. Participants showed elevated heart rates, decreased blood vessel dilation and an elevation in the amount of blood pumped with each heart beat.
Study authors admit the study does not examine the positive effects of moderate alcohol consumption over an extended period of time. This study recorded only one time responses to the consumption of alcohol.
The results were the same with both red wine and ethanol, leading researchers to believe the claims about red wine and heart health are not as founded as the populous may think. According to Dr. John Flora, director of cardiology research at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, “Our findings point to a slight beneficial effect of one drink -- be it alcohol or red wine...”
