How a daily tipple could help topple risk of heart disease
By Jenny Hope At last, some good news for drinkers as research shows alcohol can protect against heart disease. As little as one drink a day can cut the risk of heart problems by up to a quarter, according to two major pieces of research which included almost 150 studies Drinking staved off heart disease regardless of whether the tipple chosen was beer, wine or spirits, compared with people who abstained. Good for you: Drinking in moderation can cut the risk of heart disease by a quarter Both men and women benefit from 'moderate' drinking and should be told it outweighs the health risks, claim reports published online in the British Medical Journal. Studies have long suggested moderate drinking protects heart health but experts believe the message disguises other harms caused by excess alcohol, ranging from liver damage to premature death. Experts are unclear about how alcohol consumption protects heart patients, with one theory being it helps the body metabolise glucose more efficiently as well as reducing blood clotting. Wine also contains high levels of antioxidant compounds called flavonols which are good for the circulation and red wine increases levels of 'good' cholesterol in the blood. A research team analysing 84 studies found people having about one drink a day were 14 to 25 per cent less likely to develop heart disease compared to those who drink no alcohol at all. Between one and two drinks a day resulted in the lowest risk of death from heart disease. Team leader Professor William Ghali from the University of Calgary, Canada, said it was the most up-to-date and comprehensive review yet. A companion paper looking at 63 studies found moderate consumption of alcohol was good for health, increasing levels of 'good' cholesterol in the blood which protects against heart problems. Dr Susan Brien, also from the University of Calgary, who led the second research team, said the findings strengethened the argument that there is a causal link between drinking and reduced heart disease. The amount needed is modest, she said. Up to one drink or 15g of alcohol a day for women and up to two drinks or 30g of alcohol a day for men. She said it was the alcohol content that provides the benefits - not the type of beverage involved. In the UK, one unit of alcohol measures 8g. Men are advised to drink no more than 3-4 units a day (equivalent of a pint and a half of lager) and women should stay within 2-3 units a day (a 175ml glass of wine). Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1359749/How-daily-tipple-help-topple-risk-heart-disease.html#ixzz1ElXGUFZC A word of caution by some readers : Hundreds of studies now confirm that drinking alcohol (beer, wine and spirits) in moderation is associated with better health and greater longevity than is either abstaining from alcohol or abusing it. - David, Chapel Hill, NC, 23/2/2011 03:39 Having one drink is easy . Stopping at one drink , for many people , is not . - John Fogarty, Caloundra , Queensland , 23/2/2011 03:07 Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1359749/How-daily-tipple-help-topple-risk-heart-disease.html#ixzz1ElVJnETX
