Wine and Heart Health: Myths and Facts

March 9, 2022 12:59 pm Published by

heart monitor.

Wine and Heart Health: Myths and Facts

Are you looking to improve your heart health? There are many steps you can take to protect your heart and keep it healthy and strong in the years to come.

But if you’re looking for specifics about what is good for your heart—and what isn’t—you may find yourself a little confused when it comes to the topic of wine.

Wine Is (Probably) Good for Your Heart Health…

Part of the confusion about whether wine is good for your heart is due to the fact that research on the topic isn’t definitive. While there seems to be an association between drinking wine and having a reduced risk of heart disease, the connection between the two hasn’t been fully proven.

In research studies about wine consumption, participants who drank wine did show a reduced risk of heart disease. But that lower risk may have been associated with other factors, rather than the wine intake.

That said, though, drinking an occasional glass of red wine may benefit your heart.

Red wine contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which can help protect blood vessels in the heart. One particular polyphenol called resveratrol may also help reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) and reduce inflammation in the body, but more research is needed to confirm the link.

Moderation Is Important

Red wine might do the heart some good. But too much alcohol of any type, including wine, can have a harmful effect on your heart health and your health in general.

For good health, it’s important to limit your alcohol consumption. How much is okay? Women should have no more than one drink per day, while men should have no more than one to two drinks per day. To serve yourself a “drink,” you’ll want to limit your pour to four ounces of wine.

Other Ways to Boost Your Heart Health

If wine isn’t your favorite but you still want to take advantage of heart-healthy polyphenols, you’re in luck. You can also find these antioxidants in the skin of whole grapes, along with many other fruits and veggies.

In fact, filling your plate up Mediterranean style may actually benefit your heart much more than drinking red wine. Aim to eat a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and a small amount of healthy fats. Include fatty fish in your diet a couple of times a week to give your heart a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids.

You can also take steps to improve your heart health by moving your body more frequently during the day, exercising regularly, not smoking, finding healthy ways to manage stress and prioritizing quality sleep.

 

Have other questions about your heart health, or need to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist? The experts with Magnolia Heart & Vascular Center are here to help.

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This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center