Drinking mulled wine can increase life expectancy

One of the mysteries of life is how to live longer, and many experts attribute longevity to many factors. But, a new report reveals that one drink often taken during the Christmas season can actually help increase a person’s life expectancy.

Many experts attribute living a long life to many factors: Diet, exercise, mental well-being, and other lifestyle choices such as alcohol consumption and whether or not a person smokes. Express reports that a certain drink many people usually take during Christmas time can potentially increase life expectancy, and that is mulled wine. This is because mulled wine is made from red wine with added spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all of which have properties that are known to be beneficial for a person’s health. Red wine, in general, is known to contain polyphenols, which are good for the heart, along with helping keep the good cholesterol or HDL in the blood.

Red wine also contains an antioxidant called resveratrol, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and aiding in blood clotting. Resveratrol is also known for reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer in people. Cinnamon, also contains properties that help reduce the risk of heart disease through lowering cholesterol levels. It is the same with ginger and nutmeg, although more human studies have yet to determine the health properties of nutmeg. Cloves are known to contain certain compounds that can help keep blood sugar levels normal.

In terms of food, a report reveals that cheese can also help extend a person’s longevity. Although excess consumption of cheese may lead to weight gain, high blood pressure as well as high cholesterol levels, cheese may also be able to help in increasing life expectancy. Certain cheeses, high-fat ones such as brie, cheddar, and blue cheese, are known to contain CLA or conjugated linoleic acid. A study has shown that this compound was revealed to prevent obesity and heart disease while also being anti-inflammatory.

If the cheese is made from 100 percent grass-fed animals, then the higher the amount of CLA it will have. The same applies to other dairy products like butter. Fermented dairy products are also known to have good benefits for the body, specifically for the heart. However, when dairy products are pasteurized under very high heat, then the number of good bacteria present will be reduced. As with any food high in fat, it is advised to consume in moderation.