Is it the Wine -- or the Food? Researchers suggest drinking wine has better health benefits than drinking beer or other types of alcohol. But is it the wine or is it the food people consume with their wine that contributes to these benefits? Researchers from Denmark conducted a new study suggesting the latter may be the case. When they analyzed food purchases made at 98 Danish supermarkets, investigators found people who purchased wine made healthier food choices than those who purchased beer or other types of alcohol. So, what were wine drinkers eating? Investigators found they consumed more olives, fruits, vegetables, poultry, low-fat cheeses, meats and milk in their shopping baskets. On the other hand, beer drinkers were more likely to load up on pre-cooked foods, chips, sugar, cold cuts, pork, butter or margarine, sausages, lamb and soft drinks. Wine buyers also purchased more items considered part of a healthy Mediterranean diet, while beer drinkers stuck with more standard fare. The authors say these findings support other studies conducted in the United States and elsewhere showing wine drinkers eat healthier than beer drinkers. They believe future studies on the link between wine drinking and health should take this and other lifestyle choices into account. This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/. SOURCE: British Medical Journal, published online Jan. 19, 2005 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.