Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart-healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks.

The American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute don't recommend that you start drinking alcohol just to prevent heart disease, though. Alcohol can be addictive. And excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, and increase your risk of heart failure or stroke. Even a single binge can cause a serious heart arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation.

Some research studies suggest that red and purple grape juices may provide some of the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine. Grapes are rich in health-protecting antioxidants, including resveratrol and flavonoids.

Learn more about the heart-healthy benefits of grapes and grape juice from Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist.

The post Consumer Health: Grape juice, red wine and heart health appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

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Delicious, healthy recipes for your Thanksgiving menu
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for family, friends, good health and great food. If you're interested in a fresh look at your menu this year — something new instead of serving the same old standbys — try healthier recipes. Here are some delicious ideas with all of the taste, but less fat, calories and sodium.

Why is red wine good for your heart?
Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart-healthy. Antioxidants in red wine may increase levels of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL or "good," cholesterol; reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL or "bad," cholesterol; and protect against coronary artery disease. However, study results on these benefits are mixed, and drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke and other health problems. Here's what you need to know.

EXPERT ANSWERS
Can blood pressure be higher in one arm?
Generally, a small difference in blood pressure readings between arms isn't a health concern. However, a difference of more than 10 millimeters of mercury for either your top number — the systolic pressure, or bottom number — the diastolic pressure, may be a sign of blocked arteries, diabetes or another health problem. Learn more from Dr. Sheldon Sheps, an emeritus Mayo Clinic hypertension and peripheral vascular diseases specialist.

Is echinacea effective for the common cold?
Are you thinking about taking an echinacea supplement to get over a cold faster? Some studies have found echinacea to be helpful, while other studies have found no benefit. Learn more from Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the Mayo Clinic Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program.

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Vitamin C: An essential nutrient
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that supports normal growth and development, and helps your body absorb iron. Because your body doesn't produce or store vitamin C, it's important to include vitamin C in your diet. For most people, an orange, or 1 cup of strawberries, chopped red pepper or broccoli, provides enough vitamin C for the day.

Need practical advice on diet and exercise? Want creative solutions for stress and other lifestyle issues? Discover more healthy lifestyle topics at mayoclinic.org.

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The post Housecall: What’s on your Thanksgiving menu? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

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Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

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Simple ways to cook healthier
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Nutrition-wise: Take a whole-diet approach to preventing heart disease
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PSA and Red Wine

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PSA and Red Wine

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