Latest news with #MichaelMosley
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The achingly poignant thing Dr Michael Mosley said on last TV show before his death
The achingly poignant thing Dr Michael Mosley said on last TV show before his death The TV presenter died in Greece in June 2024 after filming Channel 4's Secrets of the Superagers His last series aired on Channel 4, filmed before his death (Image: Getty Images ) Tonight the last series that was filmed by the late Dr Michael Mosley was broadcast on Channel 4, giving the TV presenter's fans the chance to see him before his tragic death in June 2024. The first episode of Secrets of the Superagers, broadcast on Monday, July 14 was opened with a chilling poignant statement as the science journalist presents the programme based on the science behind aging and how to live longer. In June 2024, Dr Mosley died suddenly whilst on a walk in Greece, however the cause of the much loved doctor's death remains unknown. Before his body was found, there was a four-day search for the presenter best known for TV show Trust Me, I'm a Doctor, appearances on The One Show and podcast, Just One Thing. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Read more on Michael Mosley's cause of death and when Secrets of the Superagers was filmed here. Dr Mosley began his last series by telling the audience that throughout the programme he will "find out how to live a long and healthy life," which touched a nerve with fans tonight. One watcher wrote on X: "It's very poignant watching this Michael Mosley prog on C4. Article continues below "Such a loss. Grateful for his programmes though." Another wrote: "Watching this new Michael Mosley show on Channel 4 Still can't believe he is no longer with us, such a tragic end and a sad loss." A third said: "What a truly brilliant man Dr Michael Mosley was How sad one of last shows about ageing." Michael's widow, Dr Clare Mosely encouraged people to watch the programme and "celebrate the work and spirit that Michael brought to everything he did". Dr Michael Mosley and his wife Dr Clare Bailey (Image: bennett pr ) She wrote: "Secrets of the Superagers will run as 8 episodes over 8 weeks, and it's Michael at his very best - curious, compassionate, and determined to understand how we can all live longer, healthier lives. It's full of the warmth, science and storytelling he was so loved for. Article continues below "It's incredibly special (and emotional) to see this series go out into the world. I know he would have been so proud to share it with you all. "If you're able, please do watch tonight and celebrate the work and spirit that Michael brought to everything he did." The Channel 4 programme was filmed in 2023 and originally broadcast on Australian TV.
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Michael Mosley's final series is bittersweet, with some surprising ageing tips
Over the weekend, I read a very perceptive piece about ageing by the writer Ian Leslie, and the difference between your actual age and the age you feel. 'When you're 18, you feel 18, when you're 35 you feel 35, and when you're 53 you feel… 35,' he says. 'If you're a young person, and you're talking to an older person, it's as well to remember that they may well believe, at some level, that they're the same age as you.' As a young person might say: I feel seen. Well, in Michael Mosley: Secrets of the Superagers (Channel 4), the presenter met older people who also feel younger than their age, but in biological terms they may actually be correct. People such as Dane Kenny, a 70-year-old skydiver who has been jumping out of planes since 1969 and still does so up to 12 times a day. Spending so much time at high altitude doesn't sound as if it would be good for the brain, but when researchers put Kenny and Mosley through a memory test they found that Kenny performed significantly better. The conclusion was that constant exposure to low oxygen increased blood flow to Kenny's brain while up in the air and down on the ground. It's been a year since the sad death of Mosley. According to an Instagram post by his wife, Claire Bailey, this is the last of his series to be broadcast in the UK (it previously aired abroad in 2023). But every one of his posthumous programmes has been a reminder of what a loss he is. Secrets of the Superagers did what a Mosley show does best: unintimidating, easily digestible advice, delivered in a reassuring and cheerful manner. As usual, he threw himself into the research, at one point submitting to electric shocks to test his stress levels. Of course, you're not going to jump out of a plane at 14,000 feet. But Mosley also demonstrated things that you can try at home. High-intensity interval training can boost our memory, he explained, but don't think this involves strenuous gym sessions; if you're sedentary and over-60, try short bursts of brisk walking. Mosley visited a community of older people in the US who had taken part in a study to 'rediscover the curiosity of youth'. The volunteers spent three months learning three new skills: painting, Spanish and how to use an iPad. The results? Their cognitive ability improved by more than 200 per cent, and in some cases, their abilities were in line with people more than 50 years younger. One thing about older people, though, is that they don't get too carried away. Jim, a septuagenarian, had achieved great results on this latter study. 'Do you feel like a 19-year-old?' Mosley asked him. To which Jim replied: 'No. Do a 19-year-old's knees hurt?'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ketosis is billed as the key to weight loss – but what exactly is it?
Diet trends come and go, but amid the endless cycle of juice cleanses, protein shakes and detox teas, ketosis has fast become a buzzword for our times. From Silicon Valley biohackers to pioneering doctors and longevity scientists, fans of ketosis – a metabolic state induced by fasting or the low-carb, keto diet – claim it's the holy grail of health, unlocking rapid weight loss, stable blood sugar, boundless energy and sharper focus. 'Being in ketosis helps you lose weight faster because your body uses its fat stores for energy,' says Gabrielle Newman, a nutritionist for The Fast 800, an intermittent-fasting plan, created by the late Dr Michael Mosley, a passionate advocate for ketosis. 'It's proven to reduce visceral fat around vital organs, help manage type 2 diabetes, reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of Alzheimer's.' Despite its cult following today, ketosis has a long, scientific pedigree. First recognised in the 1920s, when scientists discovered a ketogenic or 'keto' diet (designed to mimic the effects of fasting) reduced epileptic seizures in children, it's now showing promise for conditions including obesity, depression, ADHD and even cancer. A recent study, in Scientific Reports, found a keto diet lowered risk of death from any cause, by up to 24 per cent. So, what exactly is ketosis, and should you try it? Your body runs on two fuels: glucose (from carbohydrates) and fat. When glucose stores (or glycogen) in the liver and muscles run low – for instance, after fasting or intense exercise – it switches to burning fat. 'Your body converts stored fat into ketones [beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone] which it burns for energy,' says Newman. 'Once this process starts, you've 'flipped your metabolic switch' and are in ketosis.' Scientists believe this 'metabolic switch' evolved to help humans survive periods of food scarcity. For our hunter-gatherer ancestors, ketosis was likely their natural, metabolic state. Ketones don't just power the body and brain – emerging research suggests they exert powerful, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Some biochemists call ketones a 'superfuel'. Once the body switches to burning ketones, blood glucose levels stabilise, reducing the insulin spikes that lead to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, inflammation and cellular damage. 'Being in ketosis can reduce inflammation and support cellular health,' says VJ Hamilton, BANT-registered nutritionist. 'Using ketones improves mitochondrial efficiency [mitochondria are cellular 'batteries'] which may trigger cellular repair, or 'autophagy'.' Ketosis is proven to support brain health and may even protect against cancer. The key to ketosis is drastically cutting carbs. You can follow a very low-carb, high-fat ketogenic ('keto') diet; practise time-restricted eating (a form of intermittent fasting) or combine both for a stronger effect. Fasting alone can induce ketosis but won't sustain it, unless you also restrict carbohydrates. Your body will switch to burning fat after a period without food, particularly over night, but will likely switch back to burning glucose when you eat again, particularly if you break your 'fast' with carbs like toast. So intermittent fasting knocks you in and out of ketosis. The keto diet keeps you in ketosis for longer. 'To achieve ketosis, you need to reduce carbs to 20-50g per day,' says Dr Jen Carroll, a consultant ketogenic dietitian, and honorary research fellow at University of Plymouth. 'Typically, we eat around 250g carbs per day, so it's a big drop.' Even the average banana contains 27g carbs, and a slice of bread 15g, so you get the picture. High-carb veg (sweet potatoes, beetroot, carrots) and sugary fruits (apples, dates, grapes) are restricted, while favourites such as bread, potatoes, pasta and rice are avoided. Healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil, should make up about 70 per cent of your day's energy intake. Proteins, such as eggs, fish or meat, about 15-20 per cent (too much protein can cause insulin to rise, knocking you out of ketosis). Carbs will be about 5 per cent, and veg or salad (non starchy carbs), 5 per cent. Forget about piling your plate high with fatty meats and butter, or eating processed keto snacks. These days, the emphasis is on unprocessed, nutrient-dense ingredients. A typical keto meal might contain fish or meat fried in olive oil, served with a green salad and avocado, drizzled with olive oil. 'A typical breakfast might be Greek yogurt with raspberries and nuts,' says Dr Carroll. 'Lunch could be a salmon salad with olive oil. Dinner might be meat or fish with leafy greens and a mushroom cream sauce.' It typically takes two to four days on keto to enter ketosis, depending on your metabolism, activity levels (exercise depletes glycogen) and previous diet. Women may reach it faster, due to higher circulating fat levels. 'We recommend a gradual transition over a week to avoid the 'keto flu',' says Dr Carroll. 'Switching straight to a keto diet can get you into ketosis in two to three days, but it's tough on the body.' With fasting, some people enter ketosis within 12-16 hours while, for others, it can take a week or more of intermittent fasting (IF), cycling between fasting and eating. 'Time-restricted eating (TRE) – for example, the 18:6 method, where you eat during a six-hour window, and fast for 18 hours – can encourage the body to tap into fat stores more efficiently,' says Newman. She recommends starting with a gentler 12:12 pattern. Combining the keto diet with time-restricted eating (TRE) may accelerate the process. The Fast 800 Keto diet incorporates keto principles with a nutrient-dense, Mediterranean-style diet (800-1,000 calories) and optional TRE. Ketosis isn't generally meant to be a forever diet. 'It's very restrictive, hard to sustain and only effective for weight loss, if used in the healthiest way possible,' cautions nutritionist Rob Hobson, author of Unprocess Your Life (£18.99, Telegraph Books). 'The key is what you do afterwards – it's important to follow it up with a healthy, sustainable diet.' Dr Carroll agrees. 'Most research and clinical data suggest staying on keto for up to six months, for weight loss and glucose control. Then you can transition to a more flexible, Mediterranean-style diet – higher in fibre, fruit and veg, and healthy fats – while keeping some low-carb habits in place.' Here are some of the science-backed benefits: 'Within the first week of ketosis, you can lose one to three kilos,' says Dr Carroll. 'Much of this is water, as the body shifts from using glucose to ketones, but it's highly motivating. Over time, weight loss can plateau but, with proper support, people can build on their progress.' Ketosis suppresses appetite and keeps you fuller for longer. 'Even low-level ketosis helps manage hunger,' says Dr Carroll. 'It's thought ketones downregulate the hunger hormone, ghrelin.' Fewer blood-sugar spikes mean fewer carb cravings, and ketosis preserves lean muscle mass. A 2025 Nutrients review found keto produced greater, initial weight loss and better appetite control than other diets. 'In many cases, weight is regained once the keto is stopped,' cautions Hobson. Ketosis can lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. 'Low-carb (under 130g carbs per day) and keto diets improve HbA1c, especially in those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,' says Dr Carroll. A study in Nutrition & Metabolism, found 95 per cent of type 2 diabetes patients reduced or eliminated medication within six months on keto, compared to 62 per cent on a low-carb diet. Overeating carbs and carrying excess weight can trigger inflammation, raising the risk of chronic disease. Ketosis reduces inflammation due to lower insulin levels and increased ketone activity. 'Growing evidence suggests the ketone, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acts like a signalling molecule, blocking inflammatory proteins and inhibiting key, inflammatory pathways,' says Hamilton. 'This may explain why some people on a ketogenic diet see improvements in joint pain, brain fog and mood.' Beta-hydroxybutyrate also appears to boost production of antioxidants, such as glutathione, which buffer oxidative stress (that can lead to chronic disease) and support cellular repair (autophagy). A meta-analysis in Nutrition Reviews concluded the keto diet lowers inflammatory markers. A study, at University of Cambridge, found fasting lowers inflammatory activity that contributes to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The medical keto diet (below 20g carb) is a longstanding treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. 'Approximately 50 per cent of children and adults see at least a 50 per cent reduction in epileptic seizures; 15 per cent become seizure-free,' says Dr Carroll. 'It's thought ketones fuel the brain, alter 'excitability', and may be anticonvulsive.' It can also help chronic migraines. 'People report fewer, milder migraines and less medication use,' she says. 'Evidence suggests low-carb doesn't cut it – you need to be in full ketosis.' 'We know the brain likes to use ketones as fuel,' says Dr Carroll. 'This may be because they reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Interest in metabolic psychiatry – using ketogenic diets to treat mental-health conditions – is growing. 'Early data is encouraging,' says Dr Carroll. 'Pilot studies show promise for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and there's increasing research into ADHD.' Ketosis may also benefit healthy brain ageing. It helps regulate brain metabolism and inflammation, key factors in neurodegenerative disorders. A review in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Ageing, found keto improved cognition and mental state in patients with Alzheimer's. Intermittent fasting may also improve verbal memory by boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), while ketosis raises Gaba, a neurotransmitter that calms the brain. 'Cancer cells are greedy and 'glucose-addicted',' explains Dr Mhairi Morris, senior lecturer in biochemistry at Loughborough University. 'They thrive on sugar and high levels of insulin, which promotes their growth and protects them from a form of 'cell suicide', known as apoptosis.' Unlike healthy cells, which can adapt to using ketones for energy, cancer cells rely heavily on glucose and a process known as aerobic glycolysis (or the Warburg effect). By switching the body's fuel source from glucose to ketones, a ketogenic diet can reduce the availability of glucose and insulin, limiting two key drivers of cancer growth. 'The ketogenic diet helps lower insulin and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), both of which stimulate cancer cell growth,' says Morris. 'But it must be done carefully – cancer patients are vulnerable to malnutrition, so it's essential to work with a nutritional therapist who specialises in oncology.' Fasting may help chemotherapy patients by temporarily slowing healthy cell metabolism, says Morris. This creates a 'magic shield' around healthy tissues, while cancer cells – which continue to proliferate – remain vulnerable to the chemotherapy as it only targets rapidly growing cells. Ketosis may support hormone balance by lowering insulin, stabilising blood sugar and reducing inflammation. A meta-analysis in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found keto improved reproductive hormone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), potentially enhancing fertility and easing symptoms. However, for perimenopausal and menopausal women, very-low carb diets may backfire, triggering a stress response and raising cortisol. 'Women with perimenopausal symptoms or thyroid dysfunction can find keto worsens fatigue, increases anxiety or affects sleep,' says VJ Hamilton. 'I see more consistent results with bursts of lower-carb eating. It can trigger benefits, like autophagy, without the stress full keto can bring.' The jury's out on this one. Some research shows intermittent fasting and keto can lower blood pressure. A review in the journal Nutrients concluded the anti-inflammatory effects of ketosis protect the heart, and ketones provide a 'rescue fuel' in cardiac disorders, providing a useful alternative fuel, potentially enhancing the heart's efficiency. However, studies, including a recent paper from University of Bath, show the keto diet (if too high in saturated fats) can increase LDL cholesterol, though this often settles after a few months. 'We don't yet have long-term data to say whether keto is good or bad for heart health,' says Dr Carroll. 'A well-formulated plan with healthy fats is key.' 'Metabolic flexibility is the ability to switch between using glucose and ketones as fuel, depending on what's available and needed,' says Newman. 'It's important for blood-sugar regulation, weight management, reducing risk of metabolic disease, and may even support longevity. You can encourage metabolic switching through keto, intermittent fasting and exercise.' Some endurance athletes train their bodies to switch to burning fat instead of carbs. 'The idea is to reduce dependence on carbohydrate fuelling during long events,' says Hobson. 'It may help sustain performance in some cases, but when it comes to improving performance, evidence doesn't show any clear advantage over traditional fuelling methods.' For shorter, high-intensity workouts, most people still need carbs for rapid energy. The famous 'keto breath' – a fruity, metallic odour – is a giveaway. It's caused by the ketone, acetone, hence the nail-polish remover smell. Other signs include fatigue, irritability and constipation (in the early stages until the body adjusts to using ketones), and low appetite. Not everyone gets outward signs, so test kits can help. 'The easiest way to check your level of ketones is with urine test strips,' says Dr Carroll. 'A finger prick blood test is the most accurate check, but they're more expensive.' You can buy kits online. The keto diet could leave you short on fibre, if you don't choose your foods wisely, shows a recent study from the University of Bath. After 12 weeks, people doing keto had a lower fibre intake, higher LDL cholesterol and reduced beneficial gut bacteria. 'We found people ate less fibre [around 15g per day, which is half the NHS recommended intake], which led to a drop in bifidobacteria – the gut microbes associated with cholesterol metabolism,' says Javier Gonzalez, a professor of nutrition at the Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism. 'The rise in cholesterol could relate to this drop in fibre and the type of fats you eat. You can mitigate the risk by eating plenty of green vegetables and more unsaturated fats.' Fibre is essential for aiding digestion, weight loss and glucose control, as well as preventing cancer and heart disease. High-fibre keto foods include broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, leafy greens, spinach, avocado, blackberries and raspberries, chia seeds, flax seeds, hazelnuts and pecan nuts. The ketosis transition period is often marked by 'keto flu' – a collection of temporary symptoms: Headache Fatigue Dizziness Low appetite Irritability Constipation Diarrhoea Ketosis is a safe, metabolic state with low ketone levels. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous complication of uncontrolled, type 1 diabetes (and type 2 diabetes where insulin is needed), marked by extremely high ketone levels and blood acidity. 'Ketoacidosis is extremely rare in people who don't have diabetes,' says Dr Carroll. 'Always check with your GP before making dietary changes, especially if you're diabetic.' Avoid the keto diet or fasting if you're pregnant, breast feeding or have a history of disordered eating. 'It can't provide the nutrition needed, and can trigger or exacerbate disordered eating behaviours and food anxiety,' says Dr Carroll. 'If you're restricting carbs to 20-50g, consider taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. Anyone on insulin or medications to lower blood glucose needs to speak to their doctor and dietitian before reducing carbohydrate intake.' Keto is unsuitable for people with pancreatitis, liver failure or certain fat-metabolism disorders. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Call the Midwife's Helen George sobs over traumatic past in ITV's risky new show
Helen George swaps the world of showbiz for literal shark-infested waters in ITV's new reality show, while Channel 4's The Couple Next Door returns with a steamy new story Call the Midwife star Helen George is just one of the celebs who'll be coming face-to-face with one of the sea's deadliest beasts in ITV's new reality show Shark! Celebrty Infested Waters tonight. Proving just how far celebrities will go to stay on the telly, this new reality format sends seven famous faces into shark-filled waters near the Bahamas. 50 years after Jaws became a phenomenon at the cinema, the likes of actor Lenny Henry, comedian Ross Noble and McFly's Dougie Poynter have signed up for a stomach-churning sequence of dives, where they will encounter various species of shark, getting more perilous each time. Although Countdown's Rachel Riley is excited for the challenge, most of the celebs look like they want to fire their agents, with Call the Midwife star Helen George declaring she's terrified of the sea, and Motherland actor Lucy Punch hilariously dismissing the apex predators as 'savage tubes of teeth.' There's a sobering start to the experience, as they meet their guides, including Paul, a former Aussie serviceman who lost his hand and leg to a ten-foot bull shark in a training exercise, but now campaigns for shark conservation. Acutely aware of the dangers they face, they prepare for their first dive, but with Helen and Lenny both struggling with traumatic childhood memories of swimming pools, just getting underwater is a challenge. Soon, they're stepping into a cage suspended in the ocean, surrounded by bull sharks, whose every move makes them shake. And it's only going to get scarier from here. The experts hope the celebs will go home with a new respect – and even affection – for the villains of the sea, but that feels rather optimistic at this point… Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters begins tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The Best of the Rest Michael Mosley: Secrets Of The Superagers, Channel 4, 8pm If throwing yourself out of a plane is the secret to a better memory, some of us would prefer to just be forgetful... In this eye-opening series, the late Dr Michael Mosley meets inspiring people, who are bucking the trends of ageing. 70-year old Dane is a keen skydiver, whose mind is impressively sharp. Indeed, the science shows that his time at high altitude has helped promote blood flow to his brain, giving him higher cognitive function. You don't have to be a daredevil to age well though, as Michael explores the theory that learning new things can ward off dementia. Small children's brains expand as they pick up new skills, so a group of volunteers test the theory that mastering new hobbies simultaneously can stop your brain shrinking. After a year of learning Spanish and taking art classes, the stunning results of this experiment will have you googling evening classes in your area. The Couple Next Door, Channel 4, 9pm This steamy relationship drama returns to the same posh cul de sac, but with a new couple at the heart of the story. Surgeon Charlotte (The Split's Anabel Scholey) and anaesthetist Jacob (Nashville's Sam Palladio) work at the same hospital, and their marriage is a happy one. That is until enigmatic new nurse Mia turns up for her first shift. Immediately overstepping the mark with her colleagues, she makes quite the impression. Later, Charlotte is stunned when Mia moves into the house next door, and she can't stop thinking about her. How can she afford a huge family home on her own, on a nurse's salary, and why is she so keen to make friends with resident creep, Alan (Hugh Dennis)? Meanwhile, Charlotte's ex, Leo, is back on the scene, as family circumstances force him to return to the hospital. Jacob is unsettled by his return, and turns down a tantalising prospect of promotion to avoid him. EastEnders, BBC1, 7.30pm Lauren is surprised to see Oscar again. After shock revelations, she learns where he has been all this time, and begrudgingly agrees to let him stay with her. It's a decision she may soon regret… Lexi asks Nigel about his wedding day. Jay is saddened that Nigel is no longer in touch with Julie, and starts looking for her online. Phil warns Jay not to interfere, but he won't listen. Linda tells Kat that it's time for her to sell The Vic? Emmerdale, ITV, 7.30pm Kim is blissfully unaware that Dr Crowley is planning to take her to the cleaners. But Joe knows exactly what he's up to, and arranges to confront him. Charity desperately wants to help Sarah and tries to persuade Vic to offer to be her surrogate. Vic seems uncomfortable, despite Charity's pleas. Charity and Cain are on the same page as they keep all options open. It's a big day for Lewis as he launches his new menu at the café. Coronation Street, ITV, 8pm Mick is growing restless in his cell, worrying about his kids. As he forms a plan, Brody looks for Joanie and Shanice, but Joanie is at Weatherfield High for a taster day. Mick breaks out of prison and heads straight to the school, not knowing that Sally has picked Joanie up early. He follows them back to the Street, with Kit in pursuit. Meanwhile, Kevin plays for time, telling Tyrone he'll come clean to Abi about his health after their weekend away.
Daily Record
02-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Experts on the health impact of drinking a glass of wine
Red wine may have a significant impact on health according to experts - and it's all to do with what is in the glass and what you are eating with it After a long day at work, enjoying a glass of red wine is one of life's simple pleasures. We are all aware of the negative effects of excessive drinking, from poor sleep and upset stomachs to severe headaches, but an occasional glass of red wine might actually benefit your body, particularly your heart. As you savour your next glass of Merlot or Chianti, consider that you are ingesting valuable antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds such as resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, and anthocyanin. Just remember to keep it moderate – overindulgence will negate any potential health gains. Despite their complex names, what is essential to understand is that many of these substances boast antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reports Surrey Live. Resveratrol, in particular, is noteworthy for its role in fighting heart disease, with research indicating it protects against blood vessel damage, reduces "bad" cholesterol levels, and helps prevent blood clots. A study featured in "Molecules" and published by the National Library of Medicine states: "In the last decades, several human and animal studies have indicated that moderate red wine consumption has beneficial effects on health. "As a consequence, a clear effect on the reduction of risk factors and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases have been observed." Numerous studies back up the notion that a small glass of your preferred red wine can be heart-friendly, with one study highlighting enduring health benefits when coupled with a Mediterranean diet rich in whole foods and natural unprocessed fats. Of course, there are caveats when it comes to alcohol consumption, as many healthcare professionals refrain from endorsing any alcohol intake due to its classification as a carcinogen. While moderate consumption may offer some benefits, a 2019 study concluded that the risks outweigh the advantages. Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Red wine is sometimes seen as a healthy choice, particularly as we associate it with the Mediterranean diet. But while it is often included in the traditional diet, it isn't an essential part and should be drunk in moderation. "It contains antioxidants, which reportedly have a range of benefits. However, other foods – including grapes, blueberries and strawberries – provide antioxidants without the negative effects of alcohol." Nonetheless, for Brits who choose to drink despite being aware of alcohol's impact, opting for red wine could be considered the "least bad" choice, and there are numerous other strategies to counteract the adverse effects. During an appearance on BBC Radio 4, the late Dr Michael Mosley remarked: "Drinking red wine with a meal is much better for you than having it on its own." He also referenced research findings, stating: "According to a recent longitudinal study, where researchers followed 312,000 people for an average of eleven years, a glass with food was associated with a 14% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes."
