Alcohol and Health

Studies show that moderate amount of alcohol helps in diseases like heart problems and also helps in terms of longevity. How does this take place? What amount should be consumed? Decreased risk of stroke in countries like US shows that regardless of age it has been effective on many heart related problems and longevity.

Alcohol improves blood lipid profile. Lipid level is the fat content in the blood. It is seen that moderate amount of alcohol improves HDL cholesterol and blood clotting is reduced. Blood insulin levels are reduced. If you are dieting for weight loss, you should stay away from alcohol as it contains more than 100 cal per small glass. Alcohol acts as appetite stimulator, so dieter should stay away as it may again pile up some extra fat due to more intake of food.

Red Wine

The moderate amount of red wine consumption can decrease the LDL cholesterol which is a very cause of heart problems. It is seen that alcohol reduces coronary artery spasm in response to stress. The anti-oxidants in the wine act and prevent the oxidation process whereby free radicals cause damage to healthy cells. Thus the moderate drinking of red wine is benefitial for heart diseases, cholesterol, blood pressure and stroke.