Wine and Health: From the Perspective of Alvise Cornaro to the Latest Scientific Opinions

In this opinion article we explore the link between regular wine consumption and human health, starting from the teachings that Alvise Cornaro, a Scholar at the University of Padova, left us, especially on his La Vita Sobria, a treatise published in Padova in 1558. A key role in his suggested diet is reserved for wine, an alcoholic beverage that, he advocated, should be consumed regularly, a concept that fits well with the central role that wine played in the Middle age society. Indeed, at that time, wine was consumed in large quantities, and it was generally mixed with water to make the latter safer for consumption. Monks and doctors also used wine as a medicine, as this was regularly administered to sick people of all ages to cure their illnesses. Wine maintained a similar role until the middle of the 20th Century, shifting from a source of energy to a pleasure, even if moderate wine consumption has been reported by epidemiological studies as having health benefits, particularly in relation to cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, any level of alcohol intake has recently been recognized as harmful, an occurrence that the modern wine industry is tackling by increasing the production of wines with reduced alcohol content. Nevertheless, nowadays, wine continues to be consumed for the pleasure it can provide and for its role as a social catalyzer.

Automated summary

In this article, the link between regular wine consumption and human health is explored. The concept of regular wine consumption originated from Alvise Cornaro's teachings in the 16th century, where he advocated for wine to be consumed regularly. Wine played a central role in medieval society, being consumed in large quantities and used as a medicine. While moderate wine consumption has been linked to health benefits, any level of alcohol intake is now recognized as harmful. The modern wine industry is addressing this issue by producing wines with reduced alcohol content. However, wine continues to be consumed for pleasure and its social role.