This is a popular drink during the Christmas season with a rather special preparation method.
Mulled wine is an essential beverage during the Christmas season in many countries around the world. This drink is typically made by heating red wine with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon peel, and a bit of sugar.
Recently, a doctor revealed that mulled wine is not only delicious but can also offer numerous health benefits.
Mulled wine is an essential beverage during the Christmas season in many countries.
Dr. Deborah Lee, a physician from the UK who works at the online pharmacy Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy, told Express that drinking mulled wine in moderation can be good for your health, specifically cardiovascular health.
Dr. Lee explained: “Drinking red wine has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol (‘good’ cholesterol) and reduce LDL cholesterol (‘bad’ cholesterol). These are positive changes for cholesterol levels.”
In fact, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined 69 healthy men and women aged 38-74. The results showed that drinking wine increased good cholesterol by 11 to 16%.
Dr. Sunni Patel, director and founder of the health consulting company Dish Dash Deets in the UK, explained that these benefits may be due to red wine containing polyphenolic compounds, such as resveratrol, which may have antioxidant properties and positively affect cardiovascular health.
Drinking red wine has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol (‘good’ cholesterol).
Moreover, the key ingredients used to concoct mulled wine may also benefit blood pressure.
Dr. Sunni noted: “The spices commonly used in mulled wine, such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, may provide certain health benefits, including potential effects on blood pressure.”
For instance, some studies suggest that cinnamon can help lower blood pressure by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation.
According to Dr. Sunni, another popular ingredient used in mulled wine – cloves – is rich in antioxidants, which may provide anti-inflammatory properties and indirectly contribute to overall cardiovascular health.
Remember to drink mulled wine in moderation.
Additionally, some studies indicate that star anise may also have a positive impact on blood pressure regulation.
However, Dr. Sunni added that it is important to note that the effects of these spices on blood pressure are generally quite modest, and they should be used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Precautions When Drinking Mulled Wine
If you want to enjoy mulled wine this Christmas, remember to drink it in moderation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, men should not consume more than 15 drinks per week, while women should not exceed 8 drinks per week. A standard drink is defined as a 350 ml beer, a 150 ml glass of wine, or a 45 ml shot of liquor.
Dr. Lee warns against overindulging in mulled wine or any alcoholic beverages. Excessive alcohol consumption over time can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, brain damage, liver damage, neurological issues, and seven different types of cancer.
Additionally, the expert recommends preparing this drink at home to control the alcohol and sugar content. She advises: “Make mulled wine with orange juice, then add lemon peel, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and star anise. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add honey or Stevia – a natural plant-based sweetener.”
