When it comes to a healther lifestyle most people would think ditching alcohol, nicotine and fast food would be top of the list of things to quit. However, according to one expert that might not be the case.
Professor Fredrik Nyström, a medical doctor and expert in lifestyle and health, it’s good to have a glass of wine a day. And he says nicotine isn’t all bad, too much exercise isn’t healthy and it’s better to be a little overweight than too skinny.
Professor Nyström, in collaboration with Haypp, explains why it’s ok to have a glass of wine every day and how enjoying a little bit of everything in moderation is actually the key to a healthy lifestyle!
Should you stop drinking alcohol?
In 2025, new research by Haypp revealed that one in 10 Brits were trying to drink less, that’s 6.7 million people looking to reduce their alcohol intake. Even though we’re told that alcohol is bad for us, Professor Fredrik Nyström would argue that a glass of wine a day might be more beneficial than you think!
The Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine, said: “I conducted a study on red wine and found that one glass of red wine a day, with a meal, is actually beneficial to your overall health. Doing this has a similar impact on your blood cholesterol to the effect of taking statins, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
“This is also supported by lots of additional scientific research showing that drinking red wine in moderation lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.”
How much should you be exercising?
Exercise has lots of benefits, and new research by Haypp, has revealed that one in five Brits hope to join a gym and exercise daily this year. According to Professor Nyström, it’s of course good to be a little more active, but it’s important to not overexercise!
He added: “So many people are surprised to hear that too much exercise, especially vigorous exercise like running, can have a negative impact on your health. Running can not only cause injury but also put you at risk of cardiovascular damage.
“Really you should only exercise if and when you feel like it, increasing exercise routines doesn’t necessarily equal more happiness. Exercising more moderately is likely the best strategy as you approach middle age, where cardiovascular disease might cause premature limitations on your physical activities. In short, find an exercise that makes you happy.”
Should you be cutting out fast food?
While it’s good to eat a moderately healthy diet, it’s important you still get enjoyment out of the food you eat too. The expert said: “You don’t have to cut out fast food! High fat and saturated fat can be more successful at satiating hunger than things like carbohydrates.
“In one of my recent studies, we found that those assigned to a strict low-carb diet experienced a higher quality of life, as opposed to those assigned to a low-fat diet. The low-carb diet, with increased intake of saturated fat, resulted in less gloominess. So don’t always stress over what’s on your plate, food is also for enjoyment.”
What about nicotine use?
Nicotine is often associated with smoking cigarettes, which of course would never be recommended due to the negative side effects. However, some studies have shown multiple benefits to nicotine and in other countries, such as Sweden, products like nicotine pouches are incredibly popular and have even contributed to Sweden becoming the first smoke-free country.
Markus Lindblad, Nicotine Expert, from Haypp, said: “Using smoke free nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches, has been known to have an effect on the body’s reward system by releasing dopamine, which is a signaling substance that makes us feel good, awake, happy, and present.”
Professor Fredrik Nyström added: “Nicotine is a subject I have conducted a lot of research on. In previous studies, I have found that using smoke free nicotine products can have positive side effects in many areas including keeping weight under control, enhanced focus, and increased energy expenditure. We have also seen reports of calming and anxiety reducing effects! Nicotine isn’t beneficial to everyone so it’s important to proceed with caution and seek medical advice wherever needed.”