The consumption of alcohol is always discouraged, since even in small proportions it is harmful to the body. However, a recent study links drinking red wine to lower risk of contracting COVID. We tell you what is true about this, and we explain why alcohol consumption is not healthy.
COVID risk from different alcoholic beverages
The recently published study evaluated more than 470 thousand participants and analyzed the relationship between the intake of different alcoholic beverages and the risk of getting sick from coronavirus.
An analysis of self-reported data from the participants was carried out with a consumption frequency questionnaire and a non-linear association was shown. That is does not reveal a cause-effect relationship between the alcohol consumed and the risk of COVID-19.
After the statistical analysis performed, it was observed that red wine consumption had protective effects against COVID-19 while the opposite occurred with the intake of beer or cider.
Without distinguishing the type of drink, when alcohol consumption in general is associated with the risk of suffering from coronavirus, it is observed that those who consume ethanol in greater amounts are more likely to become infected with this virus.
Alcohol is never healthy, even if red wine seems beneficial
This study shows that the consumption of red wine, as well as to a lesser extent white wine and champagne, can be protective against COVID-19, however, alcohol consumption is never healthy or advisable.
The alcohol that red wine can offer us can condition our defenses, even more so if ingested in appreciable quantities. And this can increase the risk of respiratory infections, including those caused by coronavirus.
On the other hand, the study has many limitations. Among them, that it was carried out at a particular moment, evaluating self-reported data and that it shows an association, not a cause-effect relationship.
Likewise, although red wine can offer us polyphenols with an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect and these compounds are beneficial for the body, alcohol never is, even in minimal doses. Furthermore, said Phenolic compounds can be obtained from other foods no ethanol inside.
For all this, although a recent study indicates that red wine protects against covid we do not advise its consumption for this purpose, but on the contrary, it is always advisable to avoid or reduce alcohol intake as much as possible to protect health and take care of the body’s defenses.
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