In news that could brighten even the dreariest of Mondays, a new study claims that anti-inflammatory diets rich in beer, wine, and chocolate could reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The study, led by Warsaw University’s Professor Joanna Kaluza, was recently published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, Metro reports.
Working with more than 68,000 participants, Kaluza and a team of scientists found that those with diets rich in fruit and vegetables, as well as beer, wine, and chocolate, which have anti-inflammatory properties, were up to 20 percent less likely to die prematurely than those who ate a lot of red meat, sugary sodas, and processed foods.
“It is known that fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, red wine, beer, and chocolate are rich in antioxidants,” Kaluza told Metro.
Interestingly, smokers that stuck to the anti-inflammatory diet experienced even greater benefits, and were around 33 percent less likely to die in the next 16 years than smokers who did not.
“Adherence to a diet with high anti-inflammatory potential may reduce all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality and prolong survival time, especially among current and former smokers,” Kaluza said.
While it should be stressed that these findings are in accordance with a healthy, balanced diet, this could be the best excuse yet to allow yourself that chocolate, beer, or glass of red tonight.
