How does red wine consumption affect cholesterol levels. What role does resveratrol play in cardiovascular health. Can moderate red wine intake improve heart health. Is red wine beneficial for managing high blood pressure. What are the potential risks of red wine consumption for heart health.

The Impact of Red Wine on Cholesterol Levels

Red wine has long been associated with potential cardiovascular benefits, particularly in relation to cholesterol management. Research suggests that moderate red wine consumption may have a positive effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, often referred to as “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it to the liver for disposal.

A study examining the short-term effects of red wine consumption on various cardiovascular parameters found differential impacts on plasma levels of HDL cholesterol among hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive, and healthy subjects. This suggests that the benefits of red wine may vary depending on an individual’s health status.

HDL Cholesterol and Red Wine

How does red wine influence HDL cholesterol levels? The alcohol content in red wine appears to stimulate the production of HDL cholesterol in the liver. Additionally, red wine contains polyphenols, particularly resveratrol, which may contribute to its cholesterol-modulating effects. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often termed “bad” cholesterol, which is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis.

Resveratrol: The Heart-Healthy Compound in Red Wine

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in grape skins and seeds, has garnered significant attention for its potential cardiovascular benefits. This antioxidant is particularly abundant in red wine due to the fermentation process, which allows for extended contact between the grape skins and the fermenting juice.

Mechanisms of Resveratrol’s Cardiovascular Protection

What are the specific ways resveratrol may benefit heart health? Research suggests that resveratrol may:

• Reduce inflammation in blood vessels
• Prevent blood clot formation
• Improve the function of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels)
• Decrease oxidative stress
• Enhance nitric oxide production, promoting vasodilation

These mechanisms collectively contribute to improved cardiovascular function and may help explain the potential heart-protective effects associated with moderate red wine consumption.

Moderate Red Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk

The concept of the “French Paradox” – the observation that French people have relatively low rates of heart disease despite a diet high in saturated fats – has often been attributed, in part, to regular consumption of red wine. While this relationship is complex and multifaceted, several studies have explored the potential cardiovascular benefits of moderate red wine intake.

Defining Moderate Consumption

What constitutes moderate red wine consumption? Guidelines typically suggest:

• For men: Up to 2 standard drinks per day
• For women: Up to 1 standard drink per day

A standard drink is usually defined as 5 ounces (148 ml) of wine.

It’s crucial to note that these guidelines refer to average consumption over time and do not support saving up “allowances” for binge drinking sessions.

Red Wine and Blood Pressure: A Delicate Balance

The relationship between red wine consumption and blood pressure is complex and somewhat controversial. While some studies suggest potential benefits, others indicate that alcohol intake, including red wine, may elevate blood pressure in certain individuals.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects

How does red wine affect blood pressure in the short and long term? Research indicates that:

• Short-term consumption may lead to temporary increases in blood pressure
• Long-term moderate consumption might have neutral or slightly beneficial effects on blood pressure in some individuals
• Heavy consumption is consistently associated with increased blood pressure

The impact of red wine on blood pressure may vary depending on factors such as individual physiology, existing health conditions, and overall alcohol consumption patterns.

Endothelial Function and Red Wine

The endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of atherosclerosis and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Several studies have explored the potential effects of red wine on endothelial function.

Red Wine and Flow-Mediated Dilation

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a non-invasive method used to assess endothelial function. Research has shown that moderate red wine consumption may improve FMD in some individuals, particularly those with existing cardiovascular risk factors. This improvement in endothelial function may be attributed to the polyphenols in red wine, including resveratrol, which can enhance nitric oxide production and reduce oxidative stress.

Comparing Red Wine to Other Alcoholic Beverages

While red wine has received considerable attention for its potential cardiovascular benefits, it’s important to consider how it compares to other alcoholic beverages in terms of health effects.

Red Wine vs. Beer and Spirits

Do all alcoholic beverages offer similar cardiovascular benefits? Research suggests that while moderate alcohol consumption, in general, may have some protective effects, red wine may offer additional benefits due to its high concentration of polyphenols. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and individual responses may vary.

A comparative study examining the effects of red wine, white wine, grape juice, and alcohol on antioxidant capacity found that red wine demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential. This suggests that the non-alcoholic components of red wine, particularly its polyphenols, contribute significantly to its potential health benefits.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While moderate red wine consumption may offer some cardiovascular benefits, it’s crucial to consider potential risks and individual factors when making dietary choices.

Alcohol-Related Risks

What are the potential drawbacks of red wine consumption? Some concerns include:

• Increased calorie intake leading to weight gain
• Potential for alcohol dependence or abuse
• Interactions with medications
• Increased risk of certain cancers with heavy consumption
• Liver damage with excessive intake

It’s important to note that the potential benefits of red wine do not outweigh the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Individuals who do not currently drink alcohol should not start drinking for potential health benefits.

Individual Variability

The effects of red wine on cardiovascular health can vary significantly between individuals. Factors such as genetics, existing health conditions, medication use, and overall diet and lifestyle play crucial roles in determining how red wine consumption may impact an individual’s health.

Alternative Sources of Resveratrol and Polyphenols

For those who prefer not to consume alcohol or are unable to do so, there are alternative sources of resveratrol and other beneficial polyphenols found in red wine.

Non-Alcoholic Options

What are some alcohol-free sources of resveratrol and polyphenols? Consider incorporating:

1. Red and purple grapes
2. Blueberries
3. Cranberries
4. Peanuts
5. Dark chocolate
6. Red grape juice

A study examining the effects of purple grape juice on endothelial function found that it improved flow-mediated dilation and reduced LDL susceptibility to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease. This suggests that some of the benefits associated with red wine may be achievable through non-alcoholic alternatives.

Current Research and Future Directions

The field of red wine and cardiovascular health continues to evolve, with ongoing research exploring the complex interactions between alcohol, polyphenols, and various aspects of heart health.

Emerging Areas of Study

What are some current areas of focus in red wine and cardiovascular research? Scientists are investigating:

• The specific mechanisms by which resveratrol and other polyphenols influence cardiovascular health
• The potential for developing resveratrol-based therapeutic interventions
• The role of the gut microbiome in mediating the effects of red wine polyphenols
• Genetic factors that may influence individual responses to red wine consumption
• Long-term effects of moderate red wine consumption on cardiovascular outcomes

As research continues, our understanding of the complex relationship between red wine consumption and cardiovascular health is likely to become more nuanced and personalized.

In conclusion, while moderate red wine consumption may offer some cardiovascular benefits, particularly in relation to HDL cholesterol levels and endothelial function, it’s essential to approach these findings with caution. The potential risks associated with alcohol consumption must be carefully weighed against any possible benefits. Individuals should consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate dietary and lifestyle choices for their specific health needs and circumstances.

Short-Term Red Wine Consumption Promotes Differential Effects on Plasma Levels of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Sympathetic Activity, and Endothelial Function in Hypercholesterolemic, Hypertensive, and Healthy Subjects

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Drinking red wine for heart health? Read this before you toast

Please note: This article was published more than two years ago, so some information may be outdated. If you have questions about your health, always contact a health care professional.

(Mark Hodgson, Getty Images)

For years, studies have shown a relationship between drinking a moderate amount of red wine and good heart health, but experts say it’s important to understand what that means before you prescribe yourself a glass or two a day.

No research has established a cause-and-effect link between drinking alcohol and better heart health. Rather, studies have found an association between wine and such benefits as a lower risk of dying from heart disease.

It’s unclear whether red wine is directly associated with this benefit or whether other factors are at play, said Dr. Robert Kloner, chief science officer and director of cardiovascular research at Huntington Medical Research Institutes and a professor of medicine at the University of Southern California.

“It might be that wine drinkers are more likely to have a healthier lifestyle and a healthier diet such as the Mediterranean diet, which is known to be cardioprotective,” he said.

But you may not even have to drink red wine to get the benefit, Kloner said. Moderate amounts of beer and spirits also have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

It’s a common assumption that red wine may be good for the heart because it contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, which is primarily found in the skin of grapes but also peanuts and blueberries. Some studies suggest resveratrol can reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure.

“There’s a debate about whether resveratrol is really cardioprotective or not,” Kloner said. “In addition, there is debate about the amount of resveratrol you would need to ingest to get a protective effect. To get the equivalent of the amount of resveratrol that has been reported to be protective would probably mean ingesting an excess of wine.”

Federal guidelines and the American Heart Association recommend that if you do drink alcohol, to do so in moderation. That means no more than one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. (According to the AHA, one drink is 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits or 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits.)

Studies have found that moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, including raising “good” HDL cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of diabetes. However, excessive drinking can lead to a host of health problems, including liver damage, obesity, some types of cancer and stroke, not to mention its negative effect on the heart.

“Alcohol in excess is really bad for the heart,” Kloner said. “It can cause high blood pressure and promote arrhythmias. It can cause cardiomyopathy where the alcohol is actually toxic to the heart muscle cells, and that can lead to heart failure.”

Proving moderate alcohol use causes better heart health would be tricky, Kloner said. Ideally, it would require a large prospective study that not only randomly assigns people to a no-drinking group versus a moderate-drinking group, but that also compares different types of alcohol – red wine, white wine, beer, spirits – to determine if one really is better.

“And then you’d have to control for various factors – age, gender, cardiovascular risk, their diet. You’d have to follow them for many years,” he said, noting the added ethical dilemma of taking people who are not drinkers and telling them to become drinkers.

For now, the message certainly isn’t to go out and start drinking, Kloner said. “But if you do drink, drinking in moderation is the way to go.”

If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].

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the cause of atherosclerosis, heart disease and heart attack, says Dr. Peter. Downgrading is a must.

For many people, just changing their diet in favor of the right foods and drinks will be effective. What habits work to lower cholesterol?

If you have high cholesterol or are at risk, doctors always recommend that you start by reviewing your lifestyle and diet. This is often enough to keep your heart healthy and lower “bad” cholesterol.

But patients often fixate exclusively on what to eat, but do not watch what they drink. Meanwhile, drinking habits also greatly affect the level of “bad” cholesterol. Here is the scientific evidence for this.

Tea is the most popular drink after water. What is black, what is green is obtained from the same plant, the beneficial properties of which are described in a variety of studies.

Tea can support heart health thanks to the phytonutrients flavonoids it contains. These are natural plant compounds that help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel health.

In a study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition analyzed 37 papers on tea. It has been proven that those who drink 2-3 cups of tea per day (black, green, oolong – semi-fermented) have an 8-12% lower risk of heart disease compared to those who do not drink tea at all.

This is an excellent drink that supports health and provides the body with essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. An important nuance: we are talking about natural juice without added sugar.

Regular consumption of orange juice can lower cholesterol levels, including “bad” cholesterol. This is stated in a study published in Phytotherapy Research.

The bright crimson color of the pomegranate comes from polyphenolic pigments, micronutrients that reduce inflammation and stimulate blood circulation. Also, these fruits are rich in flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes. Many of these compounds are antioxidants that help lower bad cholesterol levels.

There are a number of studies showing that 100% pomegranate juice improves heart health. It can help reduce levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein to slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Pomegranate juice is also a good source of vitamin C, supports healthy digestion and reduces the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Decades of research proves that oats are effective in lowering cholesterol levels. It contains a unique type of soluble fiber, beta-glucan, which is effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Just 3 grams of fiber a day can help lower your cholesterol levels by 8-23%.

Concentrated source of beta-glucans – oat milk. Several studies show that drinking oat milk, compared to other plant-based drinks, can help lower cholesterol levels by 6%. Important: the drink must be sugar-free.

Almond milk has similar properties. The popular walnut is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which can lower “bad” cholesterol levels.

This drink is definitely worth adding to your daily diet: kefir has many health benefits.

According to nutritionist Zyulal Yalchin, kefir contains many organic acids, thanks to which the drink can prevent the biosynthesis of “bad” cholesterol. By the way, these same acids protect the liver and help proteins to be better absorbed.

This drink (100% juice), like tomatoes, contains the substance lycopene, which protects the heart and blood vessels and lowers cholesterol, according to experts from the European Federation of Internal Medicine.

Lycopene is better absorbed after heat treatment, but fresh juice is also very useful. It is worth making sure that there is not too much salt in it. Sodium is harmful to the heart and blood vessels.

There is evidence that good (!) red wine in moderation (150 ml per day) is good for the heart. Research suggests that several bioactive compounds in red wine may lower cholesterol levels, including resveratrol, catechins, epicatechin, quercetin, and anthocyanins.

But there is a caveat: if you don’t drink alcohol, then you don’t even have to start. And what else is important to understand about alcohol: more does not mean better. Alcoholic damage to the liver leads to a violation of cholesterol metabolism and contributes to the development of atherosclerosis with all the sad consequences that come from this.

Previously, a narcologist warned readers of Dr. Peter that any alcohol consumption is always an entry into a certain medical risk zone. According to the expert, beer is clearly recognized as the leader in terms of harm caused among alcoholic beverages.

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5 healthy reasons to agree to a glass of wine named: against cholesterol

01/26/2022 at 20:37

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Disputes about the influence of a moderate amount of alcohol on the body, especially for women, have not subsided for a long time. Supporters of a healthy lifestyle are categorically against even small amounts of such “doping”. Some researchers, too, believing that even in small doses, alcohol can lead to irreversible changes in the body. On the other hand, opponents note that wine is part of the famous Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the healthiest. Finally, since ancient times, the inhabitants of the Caucasus and Italy cannot imagine their life without wine, and at the same time they are distinguished by enviable longevity. Nutritionists agree that the truth, as always, is somewhere in between.

If we talk about dry wine and very limited quantities, there are still benefits from drinking it, concludes Harper’s Bazaar. The publication emphasizes that in this case we mean a daily portion equal to one glass. Also, we are talking about dry wine, since dessert wines have too much sugar.

The first positive thing from a glass of dry red wine at a meal is getting polyphenols, which have a beneficial effect on the heart vessels. The resveratrol contained in the skin of grapes, according to a number of studies, has a number of useful functions: it reduces “bad” cholesterol, protects blood vessels, reduces blood clots and has an anti-inflammatory effect, and also helps maintain bone strength. It is also believed that this substance helps to slightly reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, but these assumptions have not been confirmed.

Substances in red wine have an antioxidant effect, that is, they help slow down the aging process. Grapes contain many polyphenols and tannins, the concentration of which increases during fermentation. Antioxidants protect cells from damage by free radicals, therefore, slow down age-related changes in the cells of organs and skin. Red wine is also full of phytoestrogens, which stimulate the body’s production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

The active ingredients in red wine also tone the nervous system by improving the blood supply to the brain. According to the observations of a number of researchers, the cumulative effect of red wine becomes the prevention of age-related memory degeneration and even Alzheimer’s disease.

The already mentioned polyphenols protect the body from chronic diseases by fighting inflammation. Also, the components of wine can increase the body’s susceptibility to insulin, which helps in the prevention of diabetes.

The fifth and very important positive effect of red wine is a good mood. This is not about the feeling of intoxication, but about the high content of fruit acids and tannins in this drink, which scientists associate with an increase in the general emotional background and even the prevention of depression. But there is an important note: such an “antidepressant” works only if no more than 1 glass is consumed per day. With an excess of alcohol on the face, the opposite effect is depression of the nervous system and health problems, in the presence of which the mood simply cannot be good.