Red wine in moderation has long been thought as healthy for the heart. The high content of anti-oxidants present in red wine help battle various cardiovascular diseases by increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and protecting against artery damage. However, according to a recent study presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2014, by Prof Milos Taborsky from the Czech Republic states that, moderate wine drinking does protect against cardio-vascular diseases but only if complimented with regular exercise.
“We found that moderate wine drinking was only protective in people who exercised. Red and white wine produced the same results,” Professor Milos Taborsky told the gathering at ESC.
The findings came from a study which included 146 people with mild to moderate risk of cardio-vascular disease who were randomized to one year of moderate consumption of red wine (Pinot Noir) or white wine (Chardonnay-Pinot).
The researchers found that there was no difference between HDL (High Density)cholesterol levels at the beginning of the study. However, after a year, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- “bad cholesterol” was lower in both groups while total cholesterol was lower only in the red wine group.
“A rise in HDL cholesterol is the main indication of a protective effect against CVD. Therefore, we can conclude that neither Red nor White wine had any impact on the participants as a whole,” Professor Taborsky said addressing the crowd. The only positive and continuous result was in the sub-group of patients who performed regular exercise at least twice a week plus the wine consumption, he stressed.
The group which was involved in regular exercise showed increased levels of HDL cholesterol while LDL and total cholesterol levels were reduced. Combining wine consumption and regular exercise can do wonders to protect your heart. This combination is found to improve the markers for atherosclerosis, as stated by Professor Taborsky.
Source: IANS
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