Scientists have identified the exact amount of wine per week that is good for you to drink

Drinking a glass of wine a day may be more effective than statins in reducing the risk of heart attack, according to new research.

Scientists found that those who drank moderate amounts of wine, as part of a Mediterranean dietthey could reduce the risk of heart attacks by half.

This study was the first to use measurements of a key biomarker from urine samples.

The study

In addition to filling out questionnaires about food and drink consumption, the 1,232 people involved provided urine samples at the start of the study and again a year later to measure tartaric acid.

After four to five years of follow-up, there were 685 cases of heart disease, including heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular disease.

Scientists have discovered that those who those who drank between 12 and 35 glasses of wine each month had a 50% lower risk compared to those who consumed one or less.

So, according to this study drinking between three and twelve glasses of wine a month would reduce the risk of heart disease by 38%.. This compares with a risk reduction of about 30% for people taking statins.

Professor Ramon Estruch, from the University of Barcelona who conducted the study, said:

By measuring tartaric acid in urine, along with food and drink questionnaires, we were able to make a more accurate measurement of wine consumption. We found a much greater protective effect of wine than that observed in other studies, with a risk reduction of 50%.

There are limitations though, firstly, those involved in the study were older people at high risk of cardiovascular disease living in a Mediterranean country, so the findings may not be applicable to other populations, they warned.

Another key question is at what age moderate wine consumption might be considered “acceptable,” as recent studies indicate that the protective effects of wine begin around age 35-40.

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