Red Wine Can Lower Your Risk Of Heart Disease
In addition to lowering HDL cholesterol, moderate alcohol consumption of red wine can reduce your heart disease risk by 30 percent by inhibiting blood clotting and decreasing inflammation. The polyphenols in red wine also can help to decrease blood pressure, reduce lipid oxidation, activate cell proteins, and enhance the ability of blood vessels to relax and dilate.
Dont Miss: Does Fat Free Milk Have Cholesterol
How Can I Drink Less Alcohol
Cutting down on alcohol can be easier than you think. Try these tips to help you:
- check the percentage of alcohol in your drinks and swap to lower strength options
- only drink while youre having a meal
- take the bottle off the table while youre eating, so you wont top up without thinking
- alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks
- make your drinks last longer by adding ice, water or mixers
- try drinking more slowly
- watch out for very large glasses
- choose smaller amounts, such as a bottle of beer instead of a pint
- buy a measure so you know how much youre drinking.
Is It True That Wine Lowers Your Bad Cholesterol
Q: Is it true that wine lowers your bad cholesterol?
A: First of all, what is bad cholesterol? The term refers to low density lipids found in the bloodstream. High levels of LDL can contribute to atherosclerosisthe hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque depositwhich can lead to heart disease.
In clinical studies, some foods and drinks, especially wine, have been shown to lower LDL. But according to Miriam Pappo, a registered dietician and director of Clinical Nutrition at Montefiore Medical Center, There is conflicting evidence on this. Antioxidants in general have been shown to lower bad cholesterol and increase HDL, also known as good cholesterol. She continued, The antioxidant resveratrol, found in wine, might be the key ingredient in wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol or LDL, and increase good cholesterol HDL. Much resveratrol research, however, has been performed on animals and in larger doses than would be found in normal wine consumption.
Pappo pointed out that several major studies on this topic have produced different results. The 2005 French Paradox study showed that alcohol found in red wine increased HDL but did not decrease LDL. Researchers in Madrid, meanwhile, found that red wine could lower LDL levels by 9 percent in healthy people and by 12 percent in less-healthy people.
Have a question about wine and healthy living? .
Read Also: Can Dehydration Skew A Cholesterol Test
Don’t Miss: Are Mussels High In Cholesterol
Lower Ldl Cholesterol With Diet And Nutrition
According to experts, eating patterns have a big influence on the levels of LDL cholesterol in your body.
Although some people absorb dietary cholesterol into their bodies from food more easily than othersand therefore are more affected by that extra egg yolk in their omeletdoctors say that there are general dietary guidelines that help lower LDL cholesterol.
Eat less saturated fat
The typical recommendations are to start with decreasing saturated fats, Dr. Ippisch says. This type of fat is known to raise LDL cholesterol levels and is one of the worst foods for cholesterol.
Limiting saturated fat means making dietary choices like choosing:
- Lower-fat dairy
- Seeds, like flax and pumpkin
- Fish
Eat more fiber
Soluble fiberfound in fruits and veggies, whole grains like oats, and legumesis a heart-healthy choice. According to a 2019 analysis published in The Lancet, a higher intake of dietary fiber is associated with lower levels of total cholesterol.
Wine And Blood Pressure: Everything You Need To Know
Blood pressure is a medical metric of how hard blood pushes against the walls of an individuals arteries. The normal blood pressure should be no less than 120/80 and no higher than 140/90. Too high blood pressure results in a medical condition.
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is a prevalent healthy condition in which the pressure or force in the arteries is too high. With time, this damages your blood vessels. High blood pressure affects about a fifth of the worlds population and is often described as a silent killer as it never depicts any onset symptoms.
High blood pressure is also described as a lifestyle condition. Therefore, it can be prevented if people paid more attention to what they drink, eat, and increased their physical activity. In most cases, because it shows no symptoms, a stroke is always an awakening call for many. It is always after the stroke that people realize there is a problem. However, symptoms like body fatigue, breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, and chest pains should cause an alarm.
Don’t Miss: Are Baked Potatoes High In Cholesterol
Does Red Wine Lower Cholesterol
Related Articles
Don’t feel guilty if you indulge in the occasional glass of red wine with dinner. This habit may actually be beneficial for your health, lowering your risk for heart disease, according to an article published in “Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis” in 2010. Drinking one to two glasses of red wine per day may help lower your bad cholesterol while increasing your good cholesterol.
The Connection Between Your Cholesterol And Food
As we get older, our cholesterol levels change and so does the connection between your cholesterol and food.
Doctors are not really sure how aging affects the composition and function of HDL, aka high-density lipoproteins levels however, research has proven there is a significant change from our youth, and the food we eat plays an intricate part.
Don’t Miss: Is Tuna Good For Lowering Cholesterol
I Know It Can Be A Wake Up Call
Hopefully this is where Alcohol free Red wine can come in like Torres which is a great wine maker.
And I am a fan, I never used to be but I am now!
Its just not grape juice anymore and is made like a wine should be.
The thing is there is no real evidence to support the red wine and alcohol myth but the thing that keeps coming up as far as blood pressure is concerned is the grapes.
And that is where they may have a point but not the alcohol.
Also Check: What Snacks Go Good With Wine
Pathophysiology And Oxidative Stress
The factors responsible for the apparent cardiovascular benefits of light-to-moderate alcohol intake are uncertain. The inverse association between red wine consumption and mortality by CVD was initially published in 1979 . Later on, in 1992, the concept of the French Paradox was introduced to describe an epidemiological observation in which the French show a relatively low incidence of CHD, despite the consumption of a diet rich in saturated fat and the presence of risk factors similar to those of other populations . The relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality in apparently healthy people or patients with CVD has been depicted as a J-shaped curve attributed to a dose-related combination of beneficial and harmful effects .
Don’t Miss: Are Baked Potatoes High In Cholesterol
Does Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure
Studies have shown that continued alcohol use across several days creates a more sustained rise in blood pressure.6Because of this, consistent binge drinking and long-term heavy drinking, can lead to chronic hypertensionitself a risk factor for coronary artery disease.1
According to the journal Atherosclerosis, scientists found that binge drinking increased the development of atherosclerosis, or the hardening and narrowing of arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.8
Alcohol is high in calories and sugar. Alcohol-associated increases in body weight and obesity can further elevate the risk of high blood pressure on a long-term basis.3,9,11
Previous studies have also demonstrated that a higher BMI is associated with atherosclerosis which could compound the risks of stroke or heart attack.10
Take Our Substance Abuse Self
Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.
Also Check: What Happens When Your Cholesterol Is Low
Things You Should Know About Wine And Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes have been found to be 2-4 times more likely to suffer from heart disease when compared to people who do not have diabetes, according to the American Heart Disease, an organization that studies diabetes and its complications.
There is some evidence that, when a person with diabetes drinks a moderate amount of red wine per day, they could decrease their chances of heart disease. Other evidence indicates that no amount of alcohol should be taken in by diabetics.
Balancing The Pros And Cons
Though the AHA notes that studies have established a possible link between moderate alcohol consumption and both increased HDL and reduced risk for diabetes, the association also cautions about the simultaneous risks of imbibing: liver damage, stroke, cancer, negative effects on your heart and obesity.
“The debate about drinking alcohol for its benefits on cholesterol keeps going back and forth,” says Dr. Boblick. “Drinking in moderation increases good cholesterol. Drinking too much increases triglycerides and blood pressure, erasing any benefits.”
And, according to Harvard Health Publishing, a strong connection exists between good HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels: If your triglyceride level goes up, it tends to force your HDL cholesterol down . Therefore, Harvard Health explains, too much alcohol can have the opposite effect of moderate consumption.
Cleveland Clinic also warns that, for some people, drinking at all could be dangerous. This includes people with a personal or family history of alcohol abuse, liver disease or pancreatitis, those who have diabetes, an irregular pulse or elevated blood pressure or triglyceride levels as well as anyone who’s had a heart attack or stroke.
Don’t Miss: Are Mussels High In Cholesterol
Beer Wine And Alcohol
Your chances of high blood pressure go up when you drink too much alcohol. Men should stick with no more than two drinks a day. Women should keep it at one. One drink looks like 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1½ ounces of 80-proof spirits, or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits. Red wine has been linked to heart health, but you should still limit the amount you drink.
More Sangria Recipes Youll Love
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries
- 1 bottle red wine
Also Check: Sutter Home Wine Bottle Sizes
Read Also: Does Shrimp Raise Cholesterol
This Is How Drinking Alcohol Affects Your Cholesterol
The habits you develop in your daily life contribute to your health in both positive and negative ways. If youre looking to make some positive lifestyle changes to contribute to your health, start with choosing nutritious foods, getting plenty of exercise, and avoiding smoking. Your alcohol intake matters, too.
In moderate amounts, red wine is commonly linked to healthy cholesterol levels. But drinking more hard liquor, beer, mixed drinks, and excess red wine has a negative impact on your cholesterol levels.
At Westmed Family Healthcare, we want you to understand the connection between alcohol and cholesterol. Heres some information about cholesterol and how drinking affects your heart health.
Lower Cholesterol With Lifestyle Changes
Dont rely on diet alone to bring your LDL cholesterol down to a healthy level. Think of eating as just one aspect of your cholesterol-lowering plan. Then target necessary lifestyle changes.
Lose weight
One of the most important strategies for managing your cholesterol is to maintain a healthy weight.
A study published in Translational Behavioral Medicine found that overweight and obese adults who shed just 5 percent of their body weight reduced risk factors for cholesterol-related heart problems. And greater weight loss led to bigger improvements.
If youre actively gaining weight, the liver is often already packed with fat or cholesterol, Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains.
That means it cant clear much more cholesterol from the bloodstream, so there will be more LDL particles hanging out and causing trouble.
Stop smoking
Quitting smoking can also influence your cholesterol management. While smoking doesnt have a strong link to LDL cholesterol, it does tend to suppress HDL cholesterol levels.
Smoking also worsens the damage LDL cholesterol can cause our arteries, further increasing someones risk of heart disease.
Create an exercise routine
If youre overweight or obese, exercise may help you lose pounds, which will help improve your cholesterol levels. But keeping a regular fitness routine is a good idea even if you dont need to lose weight.
Also Check: Is Shrimp Bad For Your Cholesterol
Your Body Needs Just Enough Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that travels through your blood. At persistently elevated levels, its linked to an increased risk in heart disease. But cholesterol isnt a bad guy on its own. In fact, your body needs cholesterol to function properly.
The problem is, your body needs only a small amount of it, and your liver produces enough to meet your bodys needs.
American Heart Association News Stories
American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association.
Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt or reprint from these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to American Heart Association News.
Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the American Heart Associations Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.
HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.
Don’t Miss: Are Potatoes High In Cholesterol
How Much And How Often You Drink Matters
Even though beer, liquor, and wine all have different effects on your cholesterol levels, your heart is more affected by the amount and frequency of your drinking than it is by your choice of beverage.
Moderate drinking, which the NIH defines as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, is the amount of alcohol considered to have a protective effect on the heart.
Large studies have shown that moderate drinkers were significantly less likely to have a heart attack when compared with people who didnt drink at all. And men who drank every day had a lower risk compared to those who drank once or twice a week.
Research shows that moderate alcohol consumption can raise your good cholesterol levels by increasing the speeds at which proteins are transported through the body.
Drinking more than what is considered moderate, however, has an opposite effect, because it can raise both cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Grape Juice A Great Alternative
When you want to avoid alcohol but keep the cholesterol-lowering benefits of red wine, grape juice is the best alternative out there. Grape juice contains flavonoids, the powerful antioxidants that prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, and raises HDL Cholesterol Levels. It also helps to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Go with dark red and purple grapes juice since these tend to be higher in antioxidants than are white or green grapes.
There are tons of natural remedies out there for how to lower cholesterol levels, often promising quick results with next to no effort required on your part. But while its true that there are tons of options to keep cholesterol levels in check, it can actually be as simple as swapping out a few foods in your diet for healthier options, switching up your workout routine or adding a supplement or two into the mix.
Ready to get started? Lets take a look at 28 simple methods for how to lower cholesterol and how it can impact your health.
You May Like: How Much Cholesterol In Pork Chops
What Causes Elevated Cholesterol
As far as diet, saturated fat is the single most influential factor affecting on cholesterol levels. A diet high in saturated fat has a potent influence on raising low-density lipoprotein, a harmful form of cholesterol.
Lifestyle choices can affect your cholesterol levels by influencing how your body breaks down cholesterol. Smoking for example, is well-known to increase cholesterol and another blood fat called triglyceride. Alcohol intake also influences cholesterol levels.
Spirits Beer And Wine: Is There A Difference
There is a significant amount of data to show that drinking large quantities of alcohol, whether it is a spirits, beer, or wine, can increase the risk of developing hypertension.
It has also become clear over time that no amount of alcohol is considered safe for consumption, regardless of the type of alcohol.
You May Like: Is Feta Bad For Cholesterol
How Does Alcohol Affect Cholesterol
While alcohol itself doesnt contain cholesterol, it can still affect your cholesterol levels in several ways.
To begin with, alcohol is processed through your liver, which also makes and eliminates cholesterol. When you drink excessively, your liver focuses on getting rid of the alcohol and becomes less efficient at other tasksincluding managing your cholesterol levels.
Your liver also processes fat and sugar more slowly when dealing with alcohol, leading to higher fat storage. Triglyceridesthe most common type of fat stored in the bodyare also linked to fatty buildup in the arteries. The extra calories in many alcoholic drinks can worsen this problem, even contributing to fatty liver disease, further affecting how well you process cholesterol.
Overall, higher alcohol consumptioneven occasional binge drinkingseems to increase lipid levels in the bloodstream, and is generally not good for heart health5.