14 DAY TRIAL // Between the years 1968 and 2000, a team of scientists at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden kept tabs on the drinking habits and the overall wellbeing of about 1,500 elderly women.
During the 32 years that the study participants were closely monitored, 185 of them suffered a heart attack. Then, 162 experienced a stroke, 160 developed diabetes, and 345 were diagnosed with cancer.
Interestingly, the University Gothenburg research team says that, once the investigation was over and all the data was compiled and analyzed, they found evidence that, when consumed in moderation, beer can prove quite beneficial.
More precisely, the scientists say they documented a 30% lower risk of heart attack among the study participants who were in the habit of drinking beer once or twice a week, or even once or twice a month.
This drop in heart attack risk was documented compared not just to heavy drinkers but also compared to women who never consumed beer. Apparently, moderation and not complete abstinence is key.
Then again, there are other risks
It might be that beer can cut heart attack risk, albeit only in women, but the fact of the matter is alcohol consumption can also cause plenty of health trouble.
Thus, the University of Gothenburg specialists say that, while the women who would sometimes drink beer seemed to have healthier hearts, those who drank in excess weren't doing very well, Science Daily reports.
Specifically, the researchers say they documented a 50% increase in cancer risk among the study participants who admitted to drinking beer, wine or other spirits on a regular basis.
For now, the scientists can't say for sure whether it is alcohol itself that comes with health benefits when consumed in moderation, or if maybe some other compound that is found in beer explains why this brew seems to cut heart attack risk.
If its alcohol itself that is beneficial in controlled doses, then moderate wine consumption should have the same positive effects, the research team theorizes.