Red wine drinkers have less fat around their organs than beer and spirits lovers, research finds

When it comes to wine, the French may be interested in something.

A study shows that beer and alcohol drinkers contain high levels of harmful fats linked to heart disease, but wine enthusiasts guard against it.

Red wine was actually linked to lower levels of visceral fat, which develops around the organs and can cause a number of health problems.

Although there was no apparent protective effect, white wine drinkers were found to get rid of the fat deposits seen with other types of alcohol.

White wine has also been found to increase bone density when drunk in moderation; this is key to preventing bone breakdown with age.

The study examined nearly 2,000 Britons aged 40 to 79, using questionnaires, screenings and physical examinations.

Instead of looking at weight gain, the researchers looked at visceral fat deposits around internal organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines.

Each alcohol has a different nutritional profile, so a “strong preference” for one type contributes to a different body composition, as do longer-lasting beer drinkers.

Adults should be encouraged to drink in moderation, but replace their beer and alcohol consumption with wine to reduce the risk of weight gain, the researchers said.

And people at risk of developing osteoporosis may be advised to make sure that most of their total alcohol intake is white wine, they said.

The team from Iowa State University used patient data from the British biobank, a database of patients followed for 10 years.

They looked at data from 1,869 white Britons aged 40 to 79.

Volunteers self-reported demographic, alcohol and lifestyle information through a three-year survey.

Participants were classified as beer, wine, or spirits if three-quarters of their total intake came from some type of alcohol.

Height, weight, and blood samples were collected, along with body composition data collected through a scan.

This gave insight into visceral fat surrounding the body’s organs, subcutaneous fat, fat just under the skin, as well as lean muscle mass and bone mineral density through scans.

The findings, published in the journal Obesity Science and Practice, show that people drink an average of 10 drinks per week.

While men drank more beer or did not prefer the alcohol they consumed, women preferred wine.

The researchers found that those who drank beer and alcohol had more visceral fat.

They noted that although beer has the lowest alcohol content, it is high in carbohydrates and calories, which contributes to the increase in visceral fat.

And those who drank mostly alcoholic beverages had higher levels of both visceral and subcutaneous fat.

The team said that this group had less educational qualifications and lower income, which was also linked to being overweight.

However, those who drank red wine had lower fat content.

The team suggested that wine may reduce inflammation, cause higher levels of ‘good’ cholesterol called high-density lipoprotein, and inhibit fat accumulation.

Drinking white wine did not affect visceral fat levels, while those who drank in moderation had denser bones.

This may be because of higher levels of polyphenols, antioxidant-rich compounds and health benefits in white wine compared to red wine.

Red wine has been associated with other health benefits when consumed in moderation, including a reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The team said their findings show “direct relationships” between the type of alcohol a person consumes and their body composition.

However, they noted that the data is self-reported, so they can only provide “rough estimates” and may not apply to young adults.

Inscription Interview researchers said it’s crucial to examine all possible factors contributing to weight gain to combat the obesity crisis, as alcohol is a “potential engine” of the epidemic.

Around two-thirds of adults in the UK are overweight or obese, with the figure rising to 75% in the US.

Doctors should encourage older people to drink in moderation, but point out that alcohol intake consists mainly of red wine and reduces beer and alcohol intake to prevent weight gain.

And patients with low bone density, known as osteopenia, may be advised to consume predominantly white wine.

However, they noted that more work is needed before these recommendations can be formulated with confidence.