A study done in Copenhagen, Denmark followed 6051 men and 7234 women between 30 and 70 years old. The relative risk of cardiovascular mortality was significantly less for those who had a low to moderate intake of wine. It was found that beer intake did not change mortality risk much and that drinking spirits increased mortality. (6)
Alcohol intake may increase good cholesterol (HDL). It is believed that HDL increases from alcohol beverages are responsible for 50% of the protective effect from coronary artery disease. The other 50% level of protection may be due to polyphenols in red wine which inhibit platelet aggregation. (7)
Beta-carotene in food vs. supplements and heart disease:
Intake of vegetables containing beta carotene was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality and with a lower risk for all causes of death but no benefit was seen with taking beta-carotene supplements. Greenberg ER et al tested beta carotene levels in subjects prior to being randomized to take beta carotene supplements. Subjects with an intial beta carotene level of 0.34 to 0.52 umol/L had a 43% less risk of death from cardiovascular disease when compared to subjects with the lowest intial beta carotene levels of under 0.21 umol/L. Those subjects with an intitial beta carotene level of over 0.52 umol/L had a lower risk of death from all causes. There was no reduced risk of disease or mortality benefit in subjects who took beta carotene supplements in pill form. (8)