In recent years a number of reports have suggested that drinking wine has some protective effect against heart disease. Researchers from the Danish Institute of Preventive Medicine examined a wide spectrum of social and personality characteristics in a group of 700 young adults to identify possible explanations for such findings.

They examined socioeconomic status, education, IQ, personality, psychiatric symptoms and health-related behaviors including alcohol consumption. They found that wine drinking was significantly associated with higher IQ, higher parental education level, and higher socioeconomic status. Beer drinking was significantly associated with lower scores on the same variables. On scales measuring personality, psychiatric, and health-related issues, wine drinking was associated with optimal functioning, and beer drinking with suboptimal functioning.

The researchers conclude that wine drinking is associated with a number of indicators that have also been linked to better health in general. Consequently, they suggest, the association between drinking habits and social and psychological characteristics may explain the apparent health benefits of wine. In other words, the kind of people who drink wine are the same kind of people who are generally well adjusted and in good health.

Related information: About it - Guidelines for heart-healthy living | Diet