Doctor says mulled wine could have 'health benefits' and lower blood pressure

14 December 2023 , 17:26

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Drinking mulled wine could have certain health benefits (Stock Photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Mulled wine is arguably one of the most festive drinks you can have over Christmas - and doctors have revealed drinking it could even have certain health benefits.

As soon as you smell the scent of mulled wine you know it's Christmas time and the iconic Christmas drink is a staple for many people over the festive period - but did you know it could also be good for your health too? Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy claimed that drinking it in moderation "is good for your cardiovascular health" and other ingredients can help to lower blood pressure.

Speaking to The Express, Dr Deborah noted: "Drinking red wine has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol ('good' cholesterol) and lower LDL cholesterol ('bad' cholesterol). These are favourable changes in the lipid profile."

This idea is backed up by further research published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study analysed 69 men and women aged between 38-74 in good health, and when they drank wine, they saw an 11 to 16 percent increase in good cholesterol.

Red wine contains polyphenolic compounds such as resveratrol, and Dr Sunni Patel, from Dish Dash Deets further explained that other ingredients packed into mulled wine could further benefit blood pressure levels. Dr Sunni said: "The spices commonly used in mulled wine, such as cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, may offer certain health benefits, including potential effects on blood pressure."

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Dr Sunni explained that cloves are full of anti-inflammatory properties which could "indirectly contribute" to cardiovascular health. Cinnamon may also aid in lowering blood pressure by "improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation." However, according to the doctor, it's important to remember that the impact of these spices on blood pressure is "generally modest" and "should be considered as part of an overall healthy lifestyle," and urged partygoers that "moderation is key".

Dr Lee further advised that preparing the festive drink from home is a good way to keep note of the alcohol and sugar consumption. She added: "Flavour your mulled wine with freshly squeezed orange juice, then add lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and star anise. If you need to sweeten it, add honey, or Stevia - a natural plant sweetener."

According to the NHS, to keep health risks from alcohol at a low level:

• Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
• Spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week
• 14 units is equivalent to 6 pints of average-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine.

Niamh Kirk