randomWalks

When these data were analysed, Dr Barefoot and his colleagues found that wine-drinkers ate less saturated fat and cholesterol, smoked less, and were more active than the rest. Those who drank no alcohol had the worst habits: they ate fewer fruits and vegetables and more red meat, and also smoked more. When the researchers controlled for connections between socio-economic status and beverage preference, they found that wine-drinkers with the same financial resources and social standing as beer-drinkers or teetotallers simply lead more sensible and healthier lives.

Despite allowing themselves the indulgence of wine-drinking, members of this group practised reasonable self-discipline in matters of diet, exercise and smoking. According to the researchers, the lifestyle led by wine-drinkers explains much of their better health. Whether encouraging the abstemious to drink wine would cause them to lead healthier lives is moot.