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Valentine's Day: Good for the Heart

Heartwarming Toast

Wining and dining has long been a Valentine's Day tradition for sweethearts, and now there may be more reason to clink glasses.

For people who drink a moderate amount of red wine, there's a heart health benefit. Research has shown that the flavonoids in red wine—originally from grape skins—have an antioxidant effect, may raise good cholesterol levels and may help prevent blood clotting in vessels.

Other, more controversial findings reveal that red wine and moderate amounts of alcohol in general ward against cardiovascular disease.

"Alcohol has a blood-thinning effect, and that was what was found to be effective against stroke and heart disease," says Sass.

Yet the studies on different types of alcohol have been small and don't show as much effect on increasing good cholesterol, says Holly Novak, MD, director of prevention and women's health at Prairie Cardiovascular in Springfield, Illinois.

Additionally, Vinson says alcohol can also produce free radicals, which are bad for the liver, counteracting any antioxidant benefits. The only exception, he says, is red wine in moderation.


As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

SOURCES: Susan Moores, RD, spokeswoman, American Dietetic Association. Joe Vinson, professor of chemistry, University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Cynthia Sass, RD, spokeswoman, ADA. Holly Novak, MD, director, prevention and women's health, Prairie Cardiovascular, Springfield, Ill. Blair Justice, PhD, professor emeritus of psychology, University of Texas School of Public Health. Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, author, Women's Sexualities; psychologist, private practice. American Heart Association. American College of Cardiology.

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