Wine has long been revered for its unique properties, boasting a rich and original composition of polyphenols and antioxidants. Scientific evidence, both from Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries, suggests that moderate wine consumption can contribute to longevity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and neurological disorders [152]. However, it is crucial to balance the positive aspects with a clear understanding of associated risks.
Composition and Alcohol Content:
The alchemical nature of wine lies in its composition, particularly its polyphenolic compounds. Red wine, with an alcohol content of approximately 14%, has a higher concentration of these compounds compared to white wine, which hovers around 11%. This alcohol content is significantly lower than that found in spirits, which can contain around 35% alcohol [152]. The presence of various bioactive components in wine, often overlooked, may also contribute to its purported health effects.
Bioactive Components and Social Factors:
While bioactive components play a role in the health benefits of wine, social factors should not be underestimated. The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, includes the moderate consumption of wine during meals. When consumed in this context, wine is sipped slowly, leading to potential metabolic benefits. The presence of food in the stomach slows ethanol absorption, aiding metabolism and hepatic clearance, and reducing peak blood alcohol concentration. Additionally, the interaction with food may impact the oral microbiota's ability to metabolize ethanol, potentially mitigating its negative effects. Moreover, alcohol's presence may enhance the bioavailability of polyphenols in the food, making them more assimilable [153].
Limitations and the Need for Further Research:
This narrative review acknowledges its limitations, including a limited number of evaluated papers and potential biases in paper selection and outcome reporting. To address these shortcomings, future research should include new meta-analyses, controlled studies, and prospective studies to delve deeper into the differential effects of wine compared to other alcoholic beverages. Systematic reviews are essential to overcome biases and define more clearly the negative and null literature data.
The Role of Health Care Professionals:
This review serves as a valuable resource for governments, organizations, industry, healthcare providers, and individuals aiming to improve health and combat diseases like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. It emphasizes the positive effects of moderate wine consumption but also underscores the negative consequences of alcohol addiction.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, moderate wine consumption stands apart from other alcoholic beverages, offering potential health benefits without an increased risk of chronic degenerative diseases. However, caution is warranted, and health care professionals should refrain from recommending alcohol to nondrinkers due to the lack of randomized outcome data and the potential for problem drinking. Behavioral education remains crucial, especially among young people. Further research is imperative to address existing doubts and provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between wine and health.
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