There is some good news for all smokers; a glass of red wine before lighting up a cigarette can prevent some cardiovascular diseases. According to a new report in the American Journal of Medicine, a glass or two of red wine can help mitigate a few of the short-term negative side effects of smoking.
The investigation involved 20 healthy non-smokers who volunteered to smoke 3 cigarettes. Ten of them had a glass of red wine one hour prior to smoking. It was calculated that the amount of blood alcohol that would be produced will equal 0.75%.
Indicators of smoking like the release of micro-particles from artery walls, platelets and white blood cells were prevented because of the red wine intake. Smoking accelerates the enzyme called telomerase, which is linked to the genetic aging process. This also dipped as a result of red wine.
The investigation was held at the University of Saarland in Homburg, Germany, and was led by scientist Dr. Viktoria Schwarz. She said, “The aim of our study was to investigate the acute vascular effects of red wine consumption prior to ‘occasional lifestyle smoking’ in healthy individuals. We found evidence that pre-consumption of red wine prevented most of the vascular injury caused by smoking.”
She clarified that the study was conducted on young, healthy non-smokers and thus it’s effect on elderly, habitual smokers may vary. She also was clear that the study in no way promoted or advocated smoking or drinking.
And lastly, she ended by saying, “Nevertheless, this study identified mechanisms suitable to explore damage and protection on the vasculature in humans, paving the way for future clinical studies.”
