Wine, Beer, Alcohol and Polyphenols on Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

Abstract

Since ancient times, people have attributed a variety of health benefits to moderate consumption of fermented beverages such as wine and beer, often without any scientific basis. There is evidence that excessive or binge alcohol consumption is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as with work related and traffic accidents. On the contrary, at the moment, several epidemiological studies have suggested that moderate consumption of alcohol reduces overall mortality, mainly from coronary diseases. However, there are discrepancies regarding the specific effects of different types of beverages (wine, beer and spirits) on the cardiovascular system and cancer, and also whether the possible protective effects of alcoholic beverages are due to their alcoholic content (ethanol) or to their non-alcoholic components (mainly polyphenols). Epidemiological and clinical studies have pointed out that regular and moderate wine consumption (one to two glasses a day) is associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, including colon, basal cell, ovarian, and prostate carcinoma. Moderate beer consumption has also been associated with these effects, but to a lesser degree, probably because of beer’s lower phenolic content. These health benefits have mainly been attributed to an increase in antioxidant capacity, changes in lipid profiles, and the anti-inflammatory effects produced by these alcoholic beverages. This review summarizes the main protective effects on the cardiovascular system and cancer resulting from moderate wine and beer intake due mainly to their common components, alcohol and polyphenols.

Alcohol consumption and low-risk drinking guidelines among adults: a cross-sectional analysis from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project

“…10 In contrast, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption has previously been shown to have cardioprotective effects [11][12][13][14] and provide protection against type II diabetes 15,16 and other chronic diseases. 14,17 However, recent evidence has challenged these findings and suggest that there is no safe limit of consumption, especially for cancer. [18][19][20][21] Despite the controversy, identifying a safe threshold based on sound methodology which accounts for beverage type, the frequency and volume of consumption and patterns of use for alcohol remains an important research question.…”

Phytochemical uptake following human consumption of Montmorency tart cherry (L. Prunus cerasus) and influence of phenolic acids on vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro

“…Epidemiologic studies have shown that consumption of food and beverages containing polyphenols are associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [1,2].…”

Consommation d’alcool et lignes directrices pour la consommation d’alcool à faible risque chez les adultes : une analyse transversale de l’Alberta’s Tomorrow Project

“…D'après les estimations récentes à l'échelle de la population du risque attribuable, 4,2 % de tous les cas incidents de cancer dans la province de l'Alberta étaient attribuables à la consommation d'alcool en 2012 10 . À l'inverse, il a été démontré que la consommation d'alcool faible ou modérée a un effet cardioprotecteur [11][12][13][14] 14,17 . Cependant, diverses études récentes ont remis en question ces conclusions et indiquent qu'il n'y a aucune limite absolue de consommation, surtout pour le cancer [18][19][20][21] .…”