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(AHD-ACRF) Atlas of Cardiovascular Risk Factors. See reference below *
"Study after study after study" -- now "over 100 of them" -- show moderate drinkers "less likely to have heart attacks" and "less likely to die from them," Dr. Arthur Klatsky told Brewers Assn this morning. Dr Klatsky is pioneer alcohol and health researcher who did some of most important studies on moderate drinking and reduced risk of coronary artery disease.
Ben Steinman reports from last week’s National Craft Brewers Conference. The report is published here with permission and originally appeared in his daily subscriber publication INSIGHTS Express Vol 11, No 40a April 23, 2009
Results of those 100+ studies are "remarkably unanimous" from "all kinds of populations." The mechanism is also "pretty well established": alcohol raises HDL (good cholesterol), which Dr Klatsky says "explains 50% of benefit." It's alcohol itself that "provides most of benefit." Benefits of antioxidants (in wine) are "not proven" and "wonder" substance resveratrol would have to be consumed in doses that amount to "500 liters of red wine a day."
Abraham Lincoln spoke of beer:
“It is true that many were greatly injured by intoxicating drink, but none seemed to think the injury arose from the use of a bad thing, but from the abuse of a good thing.” Feb 22, 1842 -- (Washington County Temperance Society.- Springfield Illinois)
“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth they can be depended on to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.”
Why do researchers focus on wine? And why then the "persistence and prevalence" of belief that wine is more beneficial, asked Boston Beer chairman Jim Koch during questions and answer session.
Dr. Klatsky gave a detailed answer; the best we've ever heard. First he pointed to early international comparisons that showed better health in Mediterranean (wine drinking) countries, i.e. the French Paradox . He also noted a lot of "Francophiles" out there who believe "French culture is superior." Of course there was the "60 Minutes " show on French Paradox.
Then Dr. Klatsky really got going: "A lot of people doing the research are wine drinkers," he pointedly noted. So much research has become focused on wine that it is "more than a cottage industry, it is a McMansion industry." And lo and behold, when there are studies on wine, "the wine industry is not loathe to promote it." Finally he said it's a "catchy idea" and "people remember it."
Chart details: * (AHD-ACRF) Atlas of Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Ch. 12 Fig. 21 24p6 W/ 19p6 D
Author: Arthur L. Klatsky, MD, Senior Consultant in Cardiology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Oakland, California, USA Editor: Tony Artist: WW
Comments
Since the Harvard resveratrol study on aging by Dr. Sinclair was published in the journal Nature a flood of dubious companies have sprung up selling resveratrol. Many have no scientists, no labs, no quality control and no experience. Both I and Dr. Mehmet Oz have recommended Biotivia Bioforte and Transmax. They are made by a company with 18 years of experience and Biotivia supplies many of the university medical schools and researchers.
Consumer Lab, an independent testing authority, evaluated the major brands and found many lacking in content and quality. The highest potency products that passed their evaluation were Biotivia, Transmax and Bioforte. A product by Life Extension Co. failed badly with only 26% of the claimed resveratrol. No company with a name made up from the word resveratrol passed the tests. This is clearly a case of buyer beware. Look for a reputable company with the resources and experience necessary to produce a quality resveratrol supplement.
The big problem is that a supplement can give them the excuse to live where a lifestyle chooses them to die - I don't care if its beer 0r wine. I am an alternative medicine major with ten years of studying calorie restriction, nutrition, fasting, and the benefits of alcohol - both beer/wine/ and otherwise...who advises the significance of wisdom of knowledge. Our ancestors all drank - and most of them smoked. Now how did we get here? Did we survive the plagues because of anti-bacterial soap? Hell - no! that's why we're seeing the problems we are. Even during the black plagues throughout history, not everyone died. And many more prospered! We drank, we smoked, but we worked our asses off and we ate when we needed to of whole foods. There is much more to be said on the subject but this will suffice for now. The fact is you can't cheat life, and you can't cheat death. When you try to 'supplement' your life cause you're against something your ancestry thrived upon, you will hurt yourself.
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