You might have jumped for joy (or more appropriately, popped some bottles) earlier this month if you saw some exciting headlines about bubbly. That’s right—a recent study found that drinking champagne has been linked to a decreased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). More specifically, researchers found that factors like a higher consumption of champagne and white wine, an increased fruit intake, weight management, blood pressure control, improved education, and maintaining a positive mood all served as protective indicators against SCA.
Conversely, the study, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, identified and studied 56 risk factors associated with SCA and concluded that 40 to 63% of SCA cases are avoidable by addressing these modifiable risk factors. “Millions of people worldwide die every year after experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest, when the heart stops pumping blood around the body without warning,” reports the Guardian.
“One of the study’s most intriguing findings is the cardioprotective effect associated with champagne and white wine consumption, questioning long-held assumptions about the specificity of red wine’s cardioprotective properties,” study authors Nicolas Grubic from the University of Toronto and Dakota Gustafson from Queen’s University stated in a linked editorial.
While the study’s findings are going viral, with people psyched about them, you may want to hit pause before stocking up on bubbly. To really understand what the findings truly mean, we spoke to some experts to get their thoughts on the health benefits (or lack thereof) of champs.
“The idea that champagne or white wine might protect the heart is fascinating, but it’s not a green light to start drinking for disease prevention or better health,” says Kiran Campbell, RDN. “This study shows an association, not proof of a cause, and moderate alcohol consumption can mean very different things depending on your health profile.”
Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, CLEC, doesn’t disagree. “I love a glass of champagne, but as a dietitian, I never consider indulging in a glass as something that is supporting my health.” She adds, “It’s important to understand that these results cannot be applied universally to everyone. Factors like genetics, personal health histories, and environmental exposures vary widely between individuals, so the effectiveness of changing these specific habits might differ from person to person.”
“What really stood out in this study wasn’t the champagne but rather the broader takeaway that improving lifestyle and environmental risk factors might prevent up to 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases,” said Campbell. “It’s worth noting that people who drink champagne in moderation may also be more likely to engage in other healthy habits, which could contribute to the observed protective effect.”
Dr. Adam Scioli, a board-certified psychiatrist and neurologist, looks at it another way. “Many of the factors that can improve heart health and reduce the risk for a sudden cardiac arrest do not involve consuming a toxin, which is what alcohol is,” he warns. “Alcohol, no matter what type, is toxic to every cell in our system and causes changes that increase the risk of at least 64 different types of cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease.”
Manaker also noted the discrepancies with the findings when compared to previous research involving alcohol. “The data surrounding alcohol and positive health outcomes are conflicting, with an impressive amount of data linking increased alcohol intake to an elevated risk of certain cancers. When considering whether to include champagne in a diet, all of the risk factors need to be considered, not just heart health,” she notes.
Additionally, while the study cites moderate drinking as being linked to heart health benefits, Dr. Scioli notes that “moderate drinking” is actually much less than most people think. “The current CDC and NIAAA guidelines say that moderate drinking for men is two drinks or less in a day, and for women, it is one drink or less in a day. For older adults and anyone who has a co-morbid condition or takes medications for anxiety, pain, and/or sleep, alcohol is contraindicated altogether,” he explains.
So what’s the bottom line here? As Dr. Scioli notes, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that there is no amount of alcohol that is “safe” for consumption.
Manaker believes that further research is needed to confidently conclude that drinking champagne will result in a reduced risk of sudden SCA. “For the generally healthy person, an occasional glass of champagne will unlikely cause harm. But experts agree that too much alcohol intake can put a person at an increased risk for many negative outcomes, including an increased risk of injury,” she tells us.
“There’s some past evidence that red wine might offer heart benefits, and now this study suggests champagne or white wine could too, but the science isn’t settled,” adds Campbell.
“If you already enjoy the occasional glass of champagne, this study might support that habit in moderation. But drinking more in hopes of added protection could backfire,” she continues. “Instead of focusing on one beverage, focus on habits with well-established benefits, including eating more fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, managing stress, and keeping your blood pressure and weight in check.”
“The big picture is this,” she says: “Heart health isn’t about one food or drink. It’s the sum of your daily choices that matters most.”
We’ll toast to that!
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