Beer or Wine: Which is Healthier?

The debate about whether beer or wine is healthier has been ongoing for years, with some studies suggesting that moderate drinking can have health benefits, while others argue that any amount of alcohol consumption increases the risk of premature death. A recent study published in the medical journal JAMA Open Network has shed new light on this issue, finding that neither beer nor wine offers significant health benefits.

The study, which analyzed data from 107 studies involving over 4.8 million people, found that consuming more than one standard drink per day increased the risk of premature death, particularly for women. A standard drink is defined as a 341-ml bottle of five per cent alcohol beer or cider, a 142-ml glass of 12 per cent alcohol wine, or a 43-ml shot glass of 40 per cent alcohol spirits.

The researchers also found that low and moderate drinkers have similar mortality rates to those who abstain entirely. In other words, enjoying a daily drink may not reduce the risk of premature death or offer any health benefits.

But what about the theories advanced by previous studies that suggest a small amount of alcohol can provide health benefits? The study's authors found that these theories were based on systematic bias and did not take into account important variables such as dental hygiene, exercise routines, diet, weight, and income.

In fact, the researchers noted that light and moderate drinkers are systematically healthier than current abstainers on a range of health indicators, but this is unlikely to be associated with alcohol use. They also found that there was no significant association between low-volume alcohol drinking and protection against death from all causes.

So, which is healthier: beer or wine? The answer is neither. Both beer and wine can increase the risk of premature death, particularly at higher consumption levels. In fact, women who enjoy more than one standard drink per day are at least 20 per cent likely to die prematurely than female non-drinkers.

The study's findings support the recommendations of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), which suggest that Canadians should have no more than two alcoholic drinks per week in order to minimize the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.

In conclusion, while some studies may suggest that moderate drinking can have health benefits, the evidence is not as clear-cut as it seems. Both beer and wine can increase the risk of premature death, particularly at higher consumption levels. Moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption, and it's essential to be aware of the risks involved.

Beer or wine healthier