“It’s a misconception to believe wine is beneficial for health,” explains a consultant cardiologist. Drinking alcohol is associated with high blood pressure, hepatic issues, and issues with digestion, mental well-being, and immunity, as well as cancer.
That said, studies have shown that moderate wine consumption could have some small benefits for your heart, based on specialist views. The findings indicate wine can help decrease levels of harmful cholesterol – which may reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, kidney ailments and brain attack.
Wine is not a treatment. I discourage the idea that poor daily eating can be offset by consuming wine.
This is due to compounds that have vasorelaxant and anti-inflammatory effects, aiding vessels in remaining dilated and supple. Red wine also contains antioxidant compounds such as the compound resveratrol, present in grape skins, which may provide extra support for heart health.
Still, there are major caveats. A leading international health organization has published a statement reporting that there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink; the benefits of wine for the heart are outweighed by it being a group 1 carcinogen, alongside asbestos and tobacco.
Other foods – such as berries and grapes offer similar benefits to wine absent the harmful consequences.
“It’s not my recommendation for abstainers to start,” explains the cardiologist. But it’s also unreasonable to anticipate everyone who currently drinks to go teetotal, stating: “Restraint is essential. Be prudent. Alcohol, especially beer or spirits, is high in sugar and calories and can damage the liver.”
He recommends consuming up to 20 modest servings of wine per month. A prominent cardiovascular organization recommends not drinking more than 14 units per week of alcoholic drinks (about six standard wine servings).
The essential point remains: One must not perceive wine as medicinal. Proper nutrition and positive life choices are the proven foundations for sustained cardiovascular wellness.
An avid explorer and travel writer with over a decade of experience in documenting remote destinations and outdoor adventures.