“One should not assume wine consumption is a healthy habit,” notes a cardiovascular expert. Drinking alcohol is associated with hypertension, liver disease, and issues with digestion, mental well-being, and immunity, as well as various cancers.
Nonetheless, some investigations demonstrate that drinking wine in moderation could have a few limited perks for your heart health, based on specialist views. This research suggests wine can help decrease levels of harmful cholesterol – which may lower the risk of heart disease, kidney ailments and cerebrovascular accident.
Wine isn’t medicine. I don’t want people thinking they can eat badly every day and balance it out with a glass of wine.
That’s thanks to compounds that have vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory effects, aiding vessels in remaining dilated and supple. Red wine also contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, present in grape skins, which may further support cardiovascular health.
However, significant warnings exist. A world health body has issued a report reporting that there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink; the benefits of wine for the heart are eclipsed by it being a known cancer-causing agent, alongside asbestos and tobacco.
Other foods – such as berries and grapes offer similar benefits to wine absent the harmful consequences.
“I’d never encourage a non-drinker to start,” explains the cardiologist. But it’s also impractical to demand everyone who presently consumes alcohol to stop entirely, adding: “The crucial factor is moderation. Keep it sensible. Drinks like beer and spirits contain significant sugar and calories and can damage the liver.”
One suggestion is consuming up to 20 modest servings of wine per month. A leading cardiac foundation recommends not drinking more than 14 units of alcohol each week (six medium glasses of wine).
The fundamental takeaway is: Wine should not be viewed as a health supplement. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are the proven foundations for long-term heart health.
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