It contains cinnamon, a powerful vasodilator.
Appreciated in winter, certain hot drinks have incredible health benefits. One of them, which some people love to enjoy during the holidays, would have interesting benefits for the heart. As long as you consume it in moderation. Its main advantage is that it is very rich in polyphenols, notably resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant known for its hypotensive and cardioprotective effects, reports the doctor of pharmacy, Deborah Lee, interviewed by the British media Express.co.
A study showed that this drink helped reduce on average systolic blood pressure (top number on the blood pressure monitor) by 3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number on the blood pressure monitor) in 60 people with mild high blood pressure. . This drink would also have positive effects on cholesterol. “When consumed in moderation, it helps prevent atherosclerosis (build-up of fatty plaques in the arteries), probably because it helps increase the rate of transport of apolipoproteins, proteins that transport fats from the intestines.“, continues the expert.
This drink is mulled wine, a winter recipe made from red wine to which orange juice and spices, including cinnamon, are added. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde which is a powerful vasodilator that helps lower blood pressure. Ginger relaxes the smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels and causes blood vessels to dilate. Cloves which, in small quantities, are said to improve liver function and the absorption of glucose into the blood. Star anise has antioxidant properties that are good for the heart and green cardamom helps reduce blood pressure and improves blood circulation.
“Mulled wine certainly has benefits for the heart, but it contains alcohol (even if heated, this drink still contains alcohol, editor’s note)with deleterious effects on all levels. So you can drink it occasionally and in small quantities: limit your consumption to 1 to 2 small glasses of 175 ml from time to time at the Christmas market“, insists the pharmacist. Otherwise, the best thing is to opt for an alcohol-free version: “We find the spices of mulled wine in hot apple juice or hot orange juice. How to benefit from their cardioprotective benefits without alcohol“. Here again, these drinks being very sweet, it is better to limit their consumption from time to time in winter, to warm up…
