Will Quitting Alcohol Lower My Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, quitting or cutting back on alcohol can certainly help lower it, and improve your heart health more generally. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control lists cutting back on alcohol as a way to prevent or manage high cholesterol9.
Other ways to lower your cholesterol include getting regular exercise, eating a healthier diet, and quitting smoking. Of course, if youre concerned about your cholesterol levels, we also recommend discussing your habits with your doctor.
If cutting back on alcohol proves challenging, the good news is that there are easier, more flexible options than before. Ria Health offers online support to reduce or quit drinking from an app on your smartphone. We support everyone from heavy to occasional drinkersyou dont need to identify as an alcoholic to join.
Are There Benefits To Drinking Alcohol
Have there been studies showing the potential benefits of a glass of red wine or a hoppy brew? Yes, acknowledges Dr. Cho. But she cautions against thinking youre boosting your health by tipping back an alcoholic beverage.
For instance, take the claims that alcohol may increase your good cholesterol, more officially known as high-density lipoprotein .
Theres some data that says the good cholesterol thats increased by alcohol is dysfunctional, notes Dr. Cho. So you may be raising your levels of HDL, but you may not be seeing a real benefit.
So dont be lured to a brewery or wine bar with claims that libations double as health tonics. Whatever benefits may exist from drinking alcohol are dwarfed by increased risks of:
- Some types of cancer.
How Much Red Wine Should You Consume To Reap Those Benefits
That is an excellent question, yet sadly, there is no straightforward answer. Complicating matters is the concept of a drink. Individuals may have varying perceptions of the number of ounces or amount of alcohol in a drink, and this perception varies by geographic location. Even within a clinical study, there is considerable heterogeneity in the definition of light or moderate wine consumption.
The standard drink size for red wine in the United States is 5 ounces. Based on what is now known about the health advantages of red wine intake, most experts agree that moderation is the goal. In addition, it equates to two drinks per day or less for males and one drink per day or less for women, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans .
Bear in mind that these are merely suggestions for individuals who wish to consume wine. Because the health benefits have not been conclusively shown, if you are not currently drinking, there is likely no health benefit to the beginning.
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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.
Does Excessive Drinking Contribute To Heart Disease
Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including heart conditions. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke. Excessive drinking can also contribute to cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle.
Whats more, alcohol can contribute to obesity and the long list of health problems that can go along with it, McEvoy says: Alcohol is a source of excess calories and a cause of weight gain that can be harmful in the long term.
The takeaway, McEvoy says, is what you probably already knew: If you choose to drink alcohol, stick to moderate levels of drinking, and dont overdo it. Were not talking about going out and drinking yourself merry and then expecting good heart outcomes, McEvoy says.
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Risotto With Red Wine Is Just As Delicious As It Sounds
Red, red wine. Stay close to me, , as the song says. However, we think stay close to my risotto is a far better option. Yes, once again we are tackling a risotto recipe, and this time its risotto with red wine . You just cant have too much risottonot when there are countless ways to cook it and mix it up. And fortunately, the red wine goes perfectly with that creamy texture. Its another recipe low in calories, clocking it at just below 300 kcal290, to be more precise. And, like most risottos, it takes less than an hour to prepare and cook.
If you are worried about the wine, remember that red wine is being considered heart healthy . Substances found in itfor instance, an antioxidant called resveratrolreduce the chance of getting heart diseases. Heart diseases can also be prevented thanks to the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol found in red wine. And dont let cholesterol fool youHDL is one of the good guys.
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.
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Good Effects In The Digestive System
Wine aids in the digestion of a variety of substances, not just food. During the digestion process and as metabolism increases, there is an increased potential for the body to produce disease-causing substances, such as oxygen free radicals, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
As the body digests food, the nutrients in winethose polyphenolshelp limit or even eliminate the harm caused by oxidation. It counteracts the unfavorable effects of digestion by triggering the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes the stomach wall, aiding in digestion optimization.
Numerous research supports the notion that drinking wine with food promotes digestion. A study conducted by the Hebrew University discovered that mixing turkey chops with red wine reduced malondialdehyde levels in human blood plasma, a free radical associated with oxidative stress.
Red wine drinkers exhibited lower levels of inflammation in their blood vessels than individuals who drank other beverages while eating a high-fat dinner of French fries and pig sausages.
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.
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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? .
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Red Wine May Help Prevent Blood Clots
Some research has found that drinking red wine may decrease platelet aggregation, which can also help reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Platelets are tiny cells in our blood that bind together around damaged blood vessels when we become injured. This clotting is what stops us from bleeding and helps us heal when we get a minor cut.
However, when platelets aggregate too much, they can form blood clots. Blood clots are serious because they can block the flow of blood and oxygen to vital organs, increasing your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
By reducing the stickiness of the platelets in your blood, red wine can help prevent blood clots and reduce your risk for health complications. For example, a 2002 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine measured platelet aggregation levels in male volunteers after moderate wine consumption and found they were significantly inhibited.
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How Does Red Wine Help Protect The Heart
The benefits of red wine come from polyphenols naturally occurring compounds that have antioxidant properties. Polyphenols like resveratrol and procyanidins have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including cardiovascular health.
How exactly do these compounds protect the heart?
Studies suggest that these polyphenols:
- Boost good cholesterol
- Lower bad cholesterol
- Reduce blood clotting
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Myth: Red Wine Is Good For Everyone
Fact: Women and men experience alcohol differently, so they should consume it differently. One glass of wine per day is plenty for women, while men shouldnt drink more than two glasses a day.
We still dont really know if red wine is good for heart health. Until theres more information available, its best to drink moderately and talk to your doctor. For information about other heart-healthy practices, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
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Red Wine: Good Or Bad
The health benefits of red wine have been debated for some time.
Many believe that a glass each day is a valuable part of a healthy diet, while others think wine is somewhat overrated.
Studies have repeatedly shown that moderate red wine consumption seems to lower the risk of several diseases, including heart disease.
However, there is a fine line between moderate and excessive intake.
This article takes a detailed look at red wine and its health effects.
Can Alcohol Affect A Cholesterol Test
Absolutely. Heres why.
Much of the alcohol that flows into your system after tipping back a glass finds its way to your liver for a digestive after-party. Alcohol is broken down in your liver and reconstructed as cholesterol and triglycerides.
The more you drink, the more your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides rise. As you might imagine, high levels of either type of this waxy fat are not exactly desirable for managing cholesterol or optimal health.
People who drink a lot of alcohol tend to have very high triglycerides, says Dr. Cho. That can be a concern because elevated triglyceride levels can increase your risk for diabetes, pancreatitis and stroke.
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Myth: Red Wine Is An Antioxidant
Fact: Its true that red wine contains antioxidants, which can improve cholesterol and help you maintain a healthy blood pressure.
You want to make sure, however, youre not drinking so much red wine that the alcohol counters the protective benefits. If youre interested in getting more antioxidants in your diet, talk to a dietitian or your doctor about antioxidant-rich foods and supplements.
Alcohol Boosts Good Cholesterol
A few studies have found that people who drink alcohol in moderation have lower rates of heart disease, and might even live longer than those who abstain. Alcohol has also been tied to a lower risk of blood clots and decreased levels of inflammation markers.
Many believe that the main benefit of alcohol comes from its ability to raise HDL cholesterol levels .
In particular, red wine might offer the greatest benefit for lowering heart disease risk and death because it contains higher levels of natural plant chemicals — such as resveratrol — that have antioxidant properties and might protect artery walls.
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Does Alcohol Increase Cholesterol Levels
While alcohol itself does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels in the blood in good and bad ways. To understand the link between alcohol and cholesterol, it is helpful to first understand how alcohol is broken down in the body.
The liver metabolizes alcohol and also produces cholesterol. Consuming alcohol can raise cholesterol levels because alcohol is processed through the same organ that is responsible for making cholesterol. For example, studies show that excessive drinking may increase LDL levels, which is the bad type of cholesterol.
In addition, alcohol is known to raise triglyceride levels. Your body will break down calories from alcohol to use as fuel before other nutrients in your body. Because alcohol is often consumed in addition to food, your body is more likely to store calories from food as fats in the form of triglycerides. Many alcoholic drinks also contain added sugars, which further increases the risk of raising triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels can lead to liver damage, including fatty liver disease.
On the other hand, light to moderate intake has been shown to possibly raise HDL, the good type of cholesterol. Specifically, some research has shown that drinking one 4-ounce serving per day of red wine has been linked to heart health, including increasing HDL levels. However, this benefit may be coming more from the other beneficial components of wine including resveratrol, rather than the alcohol itself.
Which Red Wine Is Best For Lowering Cholesterol
winecholesterolgood cholesterol
Red Wine and Grape JuiceAlcohol may raise levels of good HDL cholesterol by as much as 5 to 15 percent, research shows and red wine is particularly beneficial because its polyphenol antioxidants may also lower LDL levels. If youre not into vino, grape juice can provide some of the same heart-healthy benefits.
Subsequently, question is, what is the healthiest red wine? Red wine overall is the healthiest type of wine you can drink, but Pinot Noir is the healthiest of the healthy. According to The Daily Meal, Pinot Noir has a higher resveratrol concentration than any other red wine.
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Drinks That Can Help You Lower High Cholesterol
- Tart cherry juice. PR Newswire notes a study published in Food & Function found tart cherry juice may help cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health in general.
- Cranberry juice.
Does drinking red wine cause high cholesterol?
Cholesterol: In moderate amounts no more than one 5-ounce serving per day red wine has been correlated with healthy cholesterol levels. Drinking more wine, beer, hard liquor, or mixed drinks, however, is likely to increase cholesterol. Problem drinking over years can lead to chronic high cholesterol.
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The 20 Worst Foods For High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a strange thing: too much, and youre in a trouble, too little, and youre in just as much. With too little, our bodies cant function normally. With too much, we increase our risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and a litany of other unmentionables. While low cholesterol isnt a concern for the vast majority of us, high cholesterol is. While the condition can sometimes be inherited , most of the time its down to lifestyle choices. Even if you exercise enough to look trim and healthy, you could still be in for a world of trouble if youre regularly filling your belly with less than optimal foods.
The real kick in the teeth is that high cholesterol is symptomless: unless you take a blood test to detect your levels, the first time most people realize they have the condition is when they fall ill as a result of it. Of course, regular testing is a great way of working out exactly whats going on in your body , but prevention is always better than cure.
Fortunately, a few tweaks to your lifestyle can slash your risk of developing the disease, keeping you trouble-free and healthy into a ripe old age. The first thing to understand is what factors increase the risk of bad cholesterol .
Clinical And Laboratory Data
Table summarizes the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the three groups before and after red wine consumption. Groups were comparable in terms of gender and age distributions. As expected, the HCHOL group exhibited higher plasma levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol compared with the AH and control groups and higher plasma concentrations of triglycerides compared with controls. Both the AH and HCHOL groups exhibited higher glucose levels than the controls, and the hypertensive individuals recorded a higher average body mass index than the controls.
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