Need an excuse to pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly this festive season? Here it is...
Scientists are delivering some unexpected cheer this Christmas. They have found that a couple of glasses of champagne a day are good for your heart and blood circulation.
‘We have found that a couple of glasses a day has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels - which suggests champagne has the potential to reduce strokes and heart disease,' said researcher Dr Jeremy Spencer of Reading University.
And researchers believe the health benefits aren't limited to the expensive stuff but are also found in cheaper alternatives such as cava and prosecco.
Polyphenols are believed to boost the levels of the gas nitric oxide in the blood, which then widens the blood vessels. They are found in relatively high levels in red wine but not in white.
Champagne, however, is most commonly made from a blend of red grape varieties pinot meunier or pinot noir and white chardonnay.
‘Our data suggests that a daily moderate consumption of champagne wine may improve vascular performance via the delivery of phenolic constituents,' said Dr Spencer.
‘It is very exciting news.'
With Christmas on the way, we're glad to agree!