An inflammation expert says non-alcoholic wine is just as good for your heart as the real thing

It’s no secret that drinking the odd glass of red wine can have positive health benefits, but did you know that a non-alcoholic equivalent could also do the same good?

Non-alcoholic red wine could help lower cholesterol just as effectively as the regular stuff, according to an expert in cardiovascular diseases.

Ioannis Zabetakis, associate professor in food chemistry at the University of Limerick in the Republic of Ireland, says both regular and non-alcoholic red wine contain polar lipids—molecules that contain fatty acid chains—that can help reduce inflammation, a key factor in cardiovascular diseases.

Polar lipids do this by boosting levels of HDL cholesterol—often labelled as “good” cholesterol—which protects the heart and arteries. These lipids are also able to get into the bloodstream more quickly than other types of fatty lipids, to reduce inflammation.

“People think cholesterol is bad, but that’s not the case,” says Zabetakis, author of Preventing Inflammation and Cardiovascular Diseases. He explains that while LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart-related diseases, HDL actually works to protect the heart.

He tells Fit&Well: “HDL is made up of cholesterol, proteins and polar lipids. When you have enough polar lipids from your diet, this helps HDL form properly and work efficiently to sweep up excess LDL cholesterol from the arteries, moving it to the liver to be removed.”

Drink moderately

One way to increase polar lipids and support heart health is by enjoying a moderate intake of red wine—either regular or non-alcoholic.

Zabetakis references the famous French paradox, explaining: “French people often eat plenty of cheese, butter, and red meat—foods high in saturated fat—but their rates of heart disease aren’t as high as you’d expect.

“One reason may be that they drink red wine regularly, which contains heart-protective compounds like polar lipids. It’s not a free pass to eat whatever you want, but it shows how certain foods and drinks can support heart health when enjoyed in moderation.

“My research has found that non-alcoholic red wine has the same amount of polar lipids as regular red wine. It may not taste quite the same, but it offers the same cardio-protective benefits as regular wine.”

He does go on to add: “As a general rule, we can’t live on wine, so it’s best to stick to general guidelines, and moderation is key. One to two glasses a day is fine.”

Other ways to increase HDL cholesterol

Other healthy habits to improve heart health and increase HDL cholesterol include exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and eating certain foods.

“We should all be eating more fermented dairy products especially yogurt—full fat is best— and kefir,” says Zabetakis. “Fatty fish including tuna, salmon and mackerel are also recommended, as is olive oil. And then a little bit of red wine, either regular or non-alcoholic to protect your heart.”