Wine Consumption Part of the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a traditional way of eating that is practiced in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. This diet focuses on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, seeds, olive oil, fish and poultry. Processed foods and non-nutrimental dense foods are limited. Dairy products and eggs, fish, and poultry are in low to moderate amounts.  

This article, published by Mindy Hermann, discusses National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner's coined term Blue Zones. Blue Zones are regions of the world where people live longer than average. This includes having lower rates of diseases and increasing life expectancy. In these communities the Mediterranean diet is followed along with following a system referred to as the power nine (see figure 1). Also in the power nine, alcohol consumption is expressed and it is consumed regularly throughout this diet in moderation. Specifically, it is stated in Italy they will drink a regional red wine called Cannonau. This is known to be rich in flavonoids.  

Health benefits of wine drinking are said to be supported by several studies. Specifically, in this article Hermann stated, “the Spanish PREDIMED Study demonstrated that a Mediterranean diet that includes alcohol is more effective than a standard low-fat diet at reducing heart disease risk.” Although, an excessive amount can cause many consequences. The American Heart Association cautions alcoholic beverages consumed in excess as this can increase risk of high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac arrhythmias. It has also been shown to raise triglyceride levels, risk of heart attack, and stroke.  

The Mediterranean diet does not explicitly state alcohol should be consumed, yet it is recognized as a dietary pattern of including some wine with meals. Overall, this diet is shown to help aid in better sleep, reduced inflammation, increased lifespan, lower heart disease risk in women, reduce dementia risk, lower prostate cancer odds, benefits vision, and lastly boosts mental health. This diet is a practice of everything in moderation as it emphasizes healthy foods, fats, and lifestyle factors including a glass of wine with a meal.  

Figure 1

 

Source: https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0524p16.shtml