Can red wine protect against COVID-19? Here’s what the new research claims

If you are a wine lover then this news will surely excite you! According to a new study published in the scientific journal Frontiers which was released by the UK National Health Service, “people who consume red wine between one to more than five glasses a week had a 10 to 17 per cent lower risk in contracting COVID-19.” (Images courtesy: iStock)

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The Scientists who were involved in the research said that the reduced risk of COVID-19 could be the result of the drink’s high polyphenol content, which can inhibit the likes of the flu and other respiratory conditions. Polyphenols are rich in antioxidants, which helps in managing blood pressure levels while promoting blood circulation. It can also reduce chronic inflammation, which is another risk factor for heart diseases.

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Researchers set guidelines for the number of alcohol patients consumed on a week-to-week basis with four different categories which included less than 14 units of alcohol consumed, more than 14 units, less than 28 units consumed and greater than 28 units. This study included 473,957 subjects, out of which 16,559 were tested positive for COVID-19.

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The study found that those who do not drink at all were more likely to get COVID-19 while those who drink liquor had no more or less of a chance of contracting the virus. However, it is vital to remember that these figures were reported as correlative patterns, rather than the direct effect of alcohol on COVID-19. Not just red wine, but the study also found out that the consumption of white wine and champagne (1-4 glasses a week) above the recommended alcohol guidelines decreased the COVID risk by 8 per cent. Further, it also said that those who consumed beer, cider, and other spirits in heavy amounts were more likely to become sick than those who consumed wine & champagne.

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The COVID-19 risk appears to vary across different alcoholic beverage subtypes, frequency, and amount. While red wine and white wine does have benefits when it comes to COVID-19, heavy consumption of such drinks is not recommended by the study. It also does not recommend heavy drinking of beer, cider and spirits. One should incorporate healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk and fight COVID-19.