Wine mixed with these things may be good for the heart, but doctors say there's one thing to keep in mind.

This is a popular drink during the Christmas season with a very special way of making it.

Mulled wine is an indispensable drink during the Christmas season in many countries around the world. This drink is usually made by heating red wine with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, lemon peel and a little sugar.

Recently, a doctor revealed that mulled wine is not only delicious but can also bring many benefits.

Mulled wine is an indispensable drink during the Christmas season in many countries.

British doctor Dr Deborah Lee, who works at online pharmacy Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told Express that drinking hot wine in moderation can be good for your health , specifically your heart health .

"Drinking red wine has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol ('good' cholesterol) and decrease LDL cholesterol ('bad' cholesterol). These are good changes for cholesterol," explains Dr. Lee .

In fact, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at 69 healthy men and women aged 38 to 74. The team found that drinking wine increased good cholesterol by 11 to 16 percent.

Dr Sunni Patel, director and founder of health consultancy Dish Dash Deets, UK, explains these benefits may be due to red wine containing polyphenolic compounds , such as resveratrol, which may have antioxidant properties and positively affect heart health.

Drinking red wine has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol (the 'good' cholesterol).

Furthermore, other key ingredients used to make mulled wine may benefit blood pressure.

"Spices commonly used in mulled wine, such as cinnamon, cloves and star anise, may have certain health benefits, including potential effects on blood pressure," says Dr. Sunni .

For example, some studies show that cinnamon may help lower blood pressure by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation.

Another common ingredient used in mulled wine — cloves — is loaded with antioxidants, which may provide anti-inflammatory properties and indirectly contribute to supporting overall heart health, according to Dr. Sunni.

Remember to drink hot wine in moderation.

What's more, some studies suggest that star anise may also have a positive effect on blood pressure regulation.

However, Dr Sunni adds that it is important to note that the effects of these spices on blood pressure are generally quite modest and they should be used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Notes when drinking hot wine

If you want to enjoy mulled wine this Christmas, remember to drink it in moderation.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men should not drink more than 15 glasses of alcohol/beer per week, women should not drink more than 8 glasses per week. A glass of alcohol/beer is conventionally defined as a 350 ml bottle of beer, a 150 ml glass of wine or a 45 ml glass of spirits.

Dr. Lee warns against overindulging in mulled wine or any alcoholic beverage . Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, brain damage, liver damage, neurological problems and seven different types of cancer.

Additionally, the expert recommends making your own at home to control the alcohol and sugar content. "Mix the mulled wine with orange juice, then add lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and star anise. If you like it sweet, add honey or Stevia - a natural plant sweetener," she says.

In fact, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition looked at 69 healthy men and women aged 38 to 74. The team found that drinking wine increased good cholesterol by 11 to 16 percent.