Pop the Cork: Champagne’s Heart-Healthy Surprise!

A Toast to Heart Health: New Research Bubbles Up Surprising Benefits of Champagne

May 10, 2025

Recent research challenges the long-held belief that only red wine offers heart-protective benefits. A large-scale study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that moderate consumption of Champagne and white wine may also significantly lower the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a life-threatening event that claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers analyzed health data from over 500,000 participants in the UK Biobank, focusing on 56 modifiable lifestyle factors. Among these, moderate intake of Champagne and white wine stood out as being strongly associated with a reduced risk of SCA. The study used advanced statistical techniques, including Mendelian randomization, to strengthen the evidence for a causal relationship between these beverages and lower cardiac risk.

How Might Champagne Help the Heart?

While red wine has long been praised for its high polyphenol content, which is thought to support heart health, this study suggests that white and sparkling wines, including Champagne, may also contain beneficial compounds, such as certain polyphenols like protocatechuic acid. The precise mechanisms remain unclear, and researchers caution that the protective effect could also be influenced by other lifestyle or socioeconomic factors common among Champagne drinkers.

How Big Is the Potential Impact?

The study estimates that improving lifestyle factors, including moderate Champagne or white wine consumption, eating more fruit, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying socially and mentally active, could prevent 40% to 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases including moderate Champagne or white wine consumption, eating more fruit, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying socially and mentally active, could prevent 40% to 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases. However, the researchers emphasize that overall lifestyle is far more important than any single habit.

Should You Start Drinking Champagne for Heart Health?

Experts urge moderation and caution. While the findings are promising, they do not override established health advice about the risks of alcohol. Excessive drinking is linked to high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and other heart problems. The study did not specify optimal amounts, and the benefits were observed with moderate consumption only.

“No, the results don’t suggest that drinking champers every day for breakfast will help protect you against sudden cardiac arrest. However, if kicking back with a glass of bubbly on a Friday night is your thing, there’s now interesting new evidence to suggest it’s not only not bad for you, but could also be beneficial in the long run.”Mens Health

The Bottom Line

A celebratory glass of Champagne may be more than just a festive indulgence- it could also offer some protection against sudden cardiac arrest, according to new research. However, moderation is key, and the most effective way to protect your heart remains a combination of healthy habits, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking.