NIH Blocked Info on Wine and Health Connection
The relationship between alcohol and health is undeniably controversial. So much so that National Institutes of Health (NIH) covered up the association between abstinence from alcohol and increased risk of heart disease.
In 1974, the Framingham Study found that the “big four” risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, high cholesterol and abstinence from alcohol. However, when the NIH reported the study, they only mentioned three.
NIH officials said, “Refer to only three major risk factors and remove all reference to alcohol. With all the abuse in this country, we must not say alcohol prevents (coronary heart disease). If you must comment on alcohol, say it has no effect.”
This information was revealed at the recent International Wine and Heart Health Summit at Silverado Resort in February. Cover-ups like this one are not surprising, the NIH is known for selectively reporting information to the public.
While it’s understandable to withhold this type of information, they are jeopardizing the health of responsible drinkers. It is important for the public to receive objective information so they can make decisions on what’s good for their health and what’s not.
Written by: Ryan Fujiu on Monday, March 05 2007
farley said:
I'd venture to say more alcohol abuse occurs with beer and liquor than with wine, but even if not, the knowledge of health benefits of wine would not lead to alcohol abuse--it's going to happen regardless. You'd think, when so many things are so bad for us, that they'd want us to know when something's good for us.
Posted 672 days ago.
ryan said:
I know, Its pretty ridiculous. We should try to get the word out to as many people as possible.
Posted 672 days ago.
drdebs said:
Everybody needs to read this. What an amazing story. They've known this for 34 years and not reported it??
Posted 672 days ago.