Health expert professor Tim Spector has given red wine enthusiasts a reason to cheer.
The nutritional scientist and professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London says that enjoying a glass or two could even be 'beneficial' for your health. Spector clarified that his endorsement was for 'occasional' consumption, stating: "According to some, by defending my evening glass of red, I am somehow green-lighting alcohol as a healthy drink for everyone to have every day. This, you will be unsurprised to hear, is not my professional opinion there is always a need for balance."
He in a column for the Daily Telegraph: "Of course, I am no fool. I know that alcohol is a poison. Many people become addicted and suffer significant health consequences. There is absolutely no doubt about this." However, Spector also highlighted scientific studies which suggest that red wine, unlike other alcoholic beverages, does have some health benefits - especially for the heart.
He explained: "There is good evidence that a glass of red wine a day protects heart health. Other alcoholic drinks do not. This protective effect is partly due to plant chemicals in red wine called polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help feed your gut microbiome. They're also present in traditionally brewed ciders and, to a lesser extent, rose wines." He added that having a healthy gut can also significantly aid with inflammation, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The expert highlighted the importance of balance and social interaction, saying: "Aside from the polyphenols, we must not underestimate the social benefits of having a drink with friends. This is especially true as we get older there are strong links between good social networks and decreased mortality risk. In the West, we are facing a pandemic of loneliness, and for some, a drink with friends can be a genuine lifeline."
He also addressed those who abstain from alcohol, saying: "Some people never drink, and some people give up alcohol, feel much better, and never touch it again. If this is you, I am not recommending you start drinking red wine now." He continued by advising moderation for drinkers: "Most of the people that I know do drink alcohol. As boring as it sounds, moderation is key and if you drink red wine in moderation and make sure you have alcohol-free days, any negative impacts are likely to be relatively minor, especially when you factor in the benefits of polyphenols and social connection.
"Teetotallers certainly shouldn't start drinking red wine just for the health benefits. But for many people, a teetotal life is simply not realistic or practical. We need to face facts: many of us like drinking alcohol, and if we can manage to do it in a controlled and reasonable way and stick to red wine, it is unlikely to do much harm and may provide benefits."