Champagne can be good for your heart – in moderation! Expert reveals good news for Valentine’s Day.

There’s some good news for everyone planning a romantic Valentine’s Day treat. Not only can a glass of Champagne oil the wheels of a romantic evening, it may also be good for our heart health.

Harvey Bhandal, MD at Sinclair Method UK, specialists in medically supervised alcohol reduction, says: ‘Research published in the “British Journal of Nutrition” suggests that moderate consumption of Champagne may be good for the heart and circulation. The study by University of Reading scientists reveals: “Our data suggest that a daily moderate consumption of Champagne wine may improve vascular performance.”

‘Red wine and Champagne possess unique properties not shared by most other alcoholic beverages. Their benefits come from both their alcohol content and high levels of polyphenols — chemical compounds found in plants that improve blood flow by slowing down the loss of nitric oxide. Flavonoids, a type of polyphenol, offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects tied to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

‘Compared to white wine, the researchers found that Champagne contains higher amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids, mainly due to its red grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, alongside the white grape Chardonnay. These compounds can protect cells from damage caused by harmful oxidants.

‘Interestingly, the study also revealed Champagne wine consumption has been shown to influence serotonin and dopamine release. In other words, it not only acts as an antioxidant, but it also makes you feel good. Serotonin is often termed the “happy hormone” while dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our brain's reward and pleasure systems.

‘The pressure created by Valentine’s Day can be significant on people in a relationship. A glass or two of Champagne can help you relax over a romantic meal and might help anyone planning to pop the question on the big day!

‘However, the key word when talking about the consumption of Champagne, or any other alcohol, is “moderation”. Consumption should be weighed against the adverse effects associated with long-term alcohol excess. Any health benefits associated with Champagne are entirely reversed by consuming too much. Continued heavy drinking can lead to heart disease, liver disease and increased cancer risk.

‘That is why long-term strategies are critical for effective alcohol management. Individuals struggling to moderate their alcohol consumption may achieve positive outcomes through evidence-based interventions such as the Sinclair Method (TSM), which incorporates prescribed medication alongside structured online coaching and counselling. This treatment is supported by an 80% success rate in assisting individuals to reduce problematic drinking.

‘The treatment requires patients to take naltrexone orally one hour prior to alcohol intake, thereby diminishing alcohol’s rewarding effects and promoting "pharmacological extinction" by retraining neural reward pathways.

‘Sinclair Method UK offers customised programmes with individualised support from private general practitioners and specialist coaches over a period of three to six months. Services include confidential consultations via telephone or video call and prescriptions for required medications as appropriate. Confidentiality and privacy are rigorously maintained throughout all aspects of care.

'Sinclair Method UK Ltd was founded in collaboration with Dr. Roy Eskapa, a colleague of Dr. David Sinclair whose research led to this treatment. Dr. Eskapa trained and advised the team, making Sinclair Method UK the only organisation permitted to use The Sinclair Method trademark in the UK. For more information about the Sinclair Method and how it can help develop lasting alcohol control, visit https://www.sinclairmethoduk.com/what-is-the-sinclair-method.htm