Heart disease is labelled as the leading cause of death worldwide. It claims more than 160,000 lives each year in the UK alone. Luckily, simple diet modifications could help cut your risk of heart disease.
The lifestyle expectancy has dipped slightly over the recent years in the UK, the Office for National Statistics reports.
As our lifespans got a boost, so did the risk of severe health problems, including heart disease.
However, there’s a surprising drink that may help lower the risk of this condition – red wine.
Enjoying a small amount in moderation could be beneficial for a healthy heart, the Mayo Clinic reports.
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The reason why the fermented grape juice offers promising benefits is resveratrol.
Resveratrol is part of a group of compounds called polyphenols.
These plant goodies are well-known for having beneficial effects when it comes to heart health.
The polyphenol can help prevent damage to blood vessels, lower “bad” cholesterol and even prevent blood clots.
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When it comes to red wine intake, experts often recommend that you don’t start drinking alcohol to protect your heart.
This is especially crucial for those with a family history of an alcohol use disorder, the Mayo Clinic adds.
However, if you usually have a glass of the red drink, then you can keep enjoying the benefits that may improve heart health.
And it goes without saying that too much alcohol has harmful effects on the body.
The research stresses that if you do drink red wine, you should stick to small amounts.
In general, men and women are advised not to have more than 14 units of alcohol weekly.
If you do drink 14 units, you should spread it out over three or more days, the NHS advises.
So, even though some research suggests that those who enjoy a small amount of red wine have a lower risk of heart disease, there’s a need for more research.
Plus, experts explain that if this isn’t something you do naturally, you shouldn’t start.
