The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has urged Britons to try “zebra-striping” if they visit the pub this bank holiday weekend to help reduce their alcohol intake and potentially boost heart health. Regularly drinking too much alcohol has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes and abnormal heart rhythms.
Zebra-striping involves getting a non-alcoholic drink between every alcoholic drink to slow down your intake. Soft drinks and water can help you stay hydrated and are cheaper than alcoholic beverages, the charity added. Tracy Parker, a BHF senior dietitian, said: “As well as avoiding rounds and trying zebra-striping, we would suggest that people try to have several alcohol-free days each week and try not to exceed the maximum recommended weekly limit of 14 units of alcohol.
“Being heart-healthy doesn’t have to mean going without the things you enjoy. Small changes to social activities and home routines can add up to a healthier lifestyle.”
A single unit of alcohol contains around 60 calories, and a 175ml glass of wine at 13% ABV contains 159 calories. A pint of average-strength beer at 4% ABV contains around 182 calories, roughly the same as a 35g bag of crisps.
Regularly consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain and obesity, which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Drinking too much is also a known cause of high blood pressure, which can lead to the build up of fatty material in arteries.
Tracy said: “While there is no completely safe level for alcohol, if you do drink alcohol, and consume the maximum recommended limit of 14 units per week, it’s best to spread this evenly over three days or more.
“Binge drinking, which is more than six units of alcohol for women on one occasion, and more than eight for men, can have a serious impact on your health.
“In the long term, it can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease as well as alcohol-related cancer.”
Some studies have suggested that wine — particularly red wine — offers some health benefits when consumed in moderation because it contains antioxidants.
But Tracy said: “No level of regular alcohol intake, of any alcohol, has been shown to improve health. So it’s not a good idea to drink wine to protect your heart.
“Foods including grapes, blueberries and strawberries provide the same antioxidants without the negative effects of alcohol.
“There are safer and healthier ways to look after your heart, including doing more physical activity, keeping to a healthy weight and stopping smoking.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
