How does red wine affect cholesterol levels. What are the potential cardiovascular benefits of resveratrol. Can moderate red wine consumption improve heart health. Is red wine better for you than other alcoholic beverages. What are the risks of drinking red wine for heart health.

The Relationship Between Red Wine and Cholesterol Levels

Red wine has long been associated with potential heart health benefits, particularly in relation to cholesterol levels. Research suggests that moderate consumption of red wine may have a positive impact on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 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 published in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research found that short-term red wine consumption led to differential effects on plasma levels of HDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic, hypertensive, and healthy subjects. The results indicated that red wine consumption could potentially increase HDL cholesterol levels, which is generally considered beneficial for cardiovascular health.

How does red wine affect HDL cholesterol?

Red wine contains various compounds that may contribute to its effect on HDL cholesterol. One of the key mechanisms involves the impact of alcohol on certain enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. Specifically, alcohol consumption has been shown to increase the activity of lipoprotein lipase and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), both of which play important roles in HDL metabolism.

• Lipoprotein lipase helps break down triglycerides in lipoproteins, potentially leading to an increase in HDL cholesterol levels.
• LCAT is involved in the maturation of HDL particles, contributing to their ability to remove excess cholesterol from tissues.

Resveratrol: The Heart-Healthy Compound in Red Wine

One of the most widely studied components of red wine in relation to heart health is resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in the skin of grapes. Resveratrol has garnered significant attention due to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the potential cardiovascular benefits of resveratrol?

Research suggests that resveratrol may offer several cardiovascular benefits:

1. Antioxidant effects: Resveratrol can help neutralize harmful free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress in the body.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties: By reducing inflammation, resveratrol may help protect against various cardiovascular diseases.
3. Improved endothelial function: Some studies indicate that resveratrol may enhance the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood flow.
4. Potential anti-atherosclerotic effects: Resveratrol may help prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels.

It’s important to note that while these potential benefits are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of resveratrol on human cardiovascular health.

Moderate Red Wine Consumption and Heart Health

The concept of moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, being potentially beneficial for heart health has been a topic of ongoing research and debate. While some studies suggest potential benefits, it’s crucial to approach this topic with caution and consider the overall body of evidence.

Can moderate red wine consumption improve heart health?

Some research indicates that moderate red wine consumption may offer certain cardiovascular benefits:

• Improved lipid profile: As mentioned earlier, red wine consumption may help increase HDL cholesterol levels.
• Reduced risk of blood clots: Some studies suggest that moderate red wine intake may have antiplatelet effects, potentially reducing the risk of blood clot formation.
• Potential reduction in cardiovascular disease risk: Some epidemiological studies have found associations between moderate red wine consumption and lower rates of cardiovascular disease.

However, it’s important to emphasize that these potential benefits are associated with moderate consumption, typically defined as up to one 5-ounce glass per day for women and up to two 5-ounce glasses per day for men. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to numerous health problems and negate any potential benefits.

Comparing Red Wine to Other Alcoholic Beverages

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

Is red wine better for you than other alcoholic beverages?

Some research suggests that red wine may offer unique benefits compared to other alcoholic drinks:

• Higher polyphenol content: Red wine contains higher levels of polyphenols, including resveratrol, compared to most other alcoholic beverages.
• Potential antioxidant effects: The combination of alcohol and polyphenols in red wine may provide stronger antioxidant effects compared to other drinks.
• Differential effects on blood pressure: Some studies indicate that red wine may have less of an impact on blood pressure compared to other alcoholic beverages, although this remains a topic of ongoing research.

However, it’s important to note that the overall evidence is mixed, and many of the potential benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption may not be unique to red wine. The key factor appears to be moderation, regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage consumed.

The Impact of Red Wine on Blood Pressure and Sympathetic Activity

While some studies have suggested potential cardiovascular benefits of moderate red wine consumption, it’s crucial to consider its effects on blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system activity.

How does red wine affect blood pressure?

Research on the relationship between red wine consumption and blood pressure has yielded mixed results:

• Short-term effects: Some studies have found that acute red wine consumption can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure.
• Long-term effects: The long-term effects of regular, moderate red wine consumption on blood pressure are less clear, with some studies suggesting potential benefits and others showing no significant impact.

A study published in Hypertension found that red wine and beer both elevated blood pressure in normotensive men. This highlights the importance of considering individual factors and overall alcohol consumption when assessing the potential impacts on blood pressure.

What is the relationship between red wine and sympathetic nervous system activity?

The sympathetic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate and blood pressure. Research has shown that alcohol consumption, including red wine, can influence sympathetic nervous system activity:

• Acute effects: Short-term alcohol consumption has been associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activity in some studies.
• Chronic effects: The long-term effects of regular, moderate red wine consumption on sympathetic activity are less well-understood and may vary depending on individual factors.

It’s important to note that increased sympathetic nervous system activity can potentially lead to elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects. This underscores the need for caution and moderation when considering red wine consumption for potential health benefits.

Red Wine and Endothelial Function

The endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular health. Research has explored the potential effects of red wine consumption on endothelial function.

How does red wine affect endothelial function?

Studies have yielded mixed results regarding the impact of red wine on endothelial function:

• Potential benefits: Some research suggests that compounds in red wine, particularly polyphenols like resveratrol, may help improve endothelial function by promoting the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps blood vessels dilate.
• Acute effects: Short-term red wine consumption has been shown to improve flow-mediated dilation, a measure of endothelial function, in some studies.
• Long-term effects: The long-term impact of regular, moderate red wine consumption on endothelial function requires further research to fully elucidate.

It’s worth noting that a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research found that the action of red wine on vascular reactivity was independent of plasma lipids in hypercholesterolemic patients. This suggests that the potential benefits of red wine on endothelial function may extend beyond its effects on cholesterol levels.

Risks and Considerations of Red Wine Consumption for Heart Health

While some research suggests potential cardiovascular benefits associated with moderate red wine consumption, it’s crucial to consider the risks and limitations of these findings.

What are the potential risks of drinking red wine for heart health?

Several factors should be taken into account when considering red wine consumption for heart health:

• Increased blood pressure: As mentioned earlier, alcohol consumption, including red wine, can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure.
• Calorie intake: Red wine contains calories, which can contribute to weight gain if not accounted for in overall dietary intake.
• Addiction potential: Regular alcohol consumption carries the risk of developing dependency or addiction.
• Interactions with medications: Alcohol can interact with various medications, potentially leading to adverse effects.
• Individual variations: The effects of red wine consumption can vary significantly between individuals based on factors such as genetics, overall health status, and lifestyle.

Should non-drinkers start consuming red wine for heart health?

Most health experts and organizations do not recommend that non-drinkers start consuming alcohol, including red wine, for potential health benefits. The risks associated with alcohol consumption generally outweigh any potential cardiovascular benefits, especially given that there are many other well-established ways to promote heart health, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.

For those who already consume alcohol moderately, choosing red wine over other alcoholic beverages may offer some potential benefits. However, it’s crucial to adhere to recommended guidelines for moderate consumption and to discuss individual risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.

Alternative Sources of Resveratrol and Heart-Healthy Compounds

While red wine has been a focus of research due to its resveratrol content, it’s important to note that this compound and other beneficial polyphenols can be found in various food sources.

What are some non-alcoholic sources of resveratrol and other heart-healthy compounds?

For those who prefer to avoid alcohol or are looking for additional sources of beneficial compounds, consider the following options:

• Grapes: Red and purple grapes contain resveratrol in their skins.
• Berries: Blueberries, cranberries, and mulberries are good sources of various polyphenols.
• Peanuts: These legumes contain small amounts of resveratrol.
• Dark chocolate: Rich in flavonoids, another class of beneficial polyphenols.
• Green tea: Contains catechins, which are potent antioxidants.
• Pomegranates: High in polyphenols and other antioxidants.

Incorporating a variety of these foods into a balanced diet can provide many of the potential health benefits associated with the compounds found in red wine, without the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Can grape juice provide similar benefits to red wine?

Some studies have explored whether grape juice, particularly purple grape juice, might offer cardiovascular benefits similar to those attributed to red wine. A study published in Circulation found that purple grape juice improved endothelial function and reduced the susceptibility of LDL cholesterol to oxidation in patients with coronary artery disease.

While grape juice does contain many of the same beneficial compounds found in red wine, it’s important to note that it lacks the alcohol content. The potential cardiovascular effects of red wine are thought to result from a combination of its polyphenol content and the presence of alcohol. Therefore, while grape juice may offer some benefits, it’s not directly equivalent to red wine in terms of its overall physiological effects.

In conclusion, while moderate red wine consumption may offer some potential cardiovascular benefits, it’s crucial to approach this topic with caution. The relationship between red wine, resveratrol, and heart health is complex and influenced by numerous factors. Individuals should prioritize well-established heart-healthy practices and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice regarding alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health.

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.