How to live longer is an age old question many people wish they knew the answer to.
While eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, keeping your mind active and not smoking can significantly improve a person’s life expectancy, a warm glass of mulled wine could also boost longevity.
The popular winter beverage is made from red wine mixed with various spices, such as cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. It’s then warmed in a pan before being served.
It’s usually regarded as a Christmas treat during the festive season and isn’t usually thought of as being good for your health.
A number of mulled wine ingredients have been found to be beneficial to a person’s health, including helping someone live longer.
While mulled wine should be consumed within alcohol guidelines – no more than 14 units a week – here are the benefits of enjoying the tipple this winter.
Red wine – found to reduce the risk of heart disease
Red wine, the key component of mulled wine, has a number of anti-ageing features. One study found it can reduce the risk of early death.
How? Its antioxidants, which are known as polyphenols, have been linked to higher levels of good cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
One type of polyphenol is resveratrol, which has been shown by research to lower glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients and to have a potential anti-cancer effect.
Cinnamon – found to control diabetes
Cinnamon helps give mulled wine its spiced taste and aroma, and has also been found to help boost longevity.
Studies have suggested cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels, and therefore help manage and prevent diabetes.
Cinnamon is also packed with antioxidants, protecting the body from oxidative damage which can lead to ageing.
It also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help the body fight infection and repair tissue.