Can Alcohol Hurt My Cholesterol?

Moderate Alcohol Use

Moderate alcohol use has been correlated with health benefits. Moderate alcohol use is defined for men and women differently. For women, one drink per day is considered moderate. For men, two drinks per day is considered moderate. A drink is defined as one 12 ounce beer, 1.5 ounces of 80-prooof spirits, 1 ounce of 100-proof spirits, or 4 ounces of wine.

Alcohol Benefits

HDL is considered to be good cholesterol . Moderate alcohol use has been associated with an increase in HDL (high density lipoproteins). However, there are better and more effective ways to increase your overall HDL, particularly by increasing overall physical activity levels. Certain foods are also correlated with increased HDL levels, particularly foods containing resveratrol. Resveratrol is commonly found in the skin of grapes. Resveratrol is used in plants as a phytoalexin. Phytoalexins defend plants against bacterial and fungal invasions. It is also found in other foods, including berries (raspberries, blueberries, mulberries, and cranberries), peanuts, and plums. Red wine also contains amounts of resveratrol, which is thought to be responsible for the associated cholesterol benefits. Moderate alcohol use has also been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The majority of the studies that support this have suggested that the lowered risk of heart disease is due to red wine consumption. Red wine contains antioxidants and flavonoids thought to be responsible for this decrease in heart disease development. However, there are other foods that contain both flavonoids and antioxidants. These studies have been conducted on specific populations. Therefore, research continues to verify these links, as these benefits may be in addition to specific lifestyles, including physical activity increases, a diet low in saturated and trans fats, and a diet that consumes high amounts of vegetables and fruits.

Alcohol and Health Risks

Increased alcohol consumption (greater than moderate use), increases risk factors for the development of certain conditions. Alcohol consumed in excessive amounts can raise triglycerides (fats) in the blood leading to high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, or even heart failure. Alcohol contains little nutritional value and many calories. Increased calorie intake can lead to weight gain and obesity, which are correlated with an increased risk for a variety of conditions, including diabetes . Binge drinking or excessive alcohol use can cause a stroke. Excessive alcohol use can also lead to alcoholism, as alcohol can become an addiction. Excessive alcohol use is also correlated with an overall increased risk for the development of certain types of cancer. Pregnant women that drink can have children born with fetal alcohol syndrome, which is associated with a variety of health conditions and risks.

Recommendations

It is recommended that if you currently consume alcohol, it is considered healthy to continue with the stipulation that it is used only in moderate amounts. However, because of the risks associated with alcohol use, the benefits are not great enough to recommend drinking alcohol on a moderate basis if you do not already do so. If you are an individual that doesn't drink, it is not recommended that you start. If you have questions about alcohol use, consult your physician.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/lower-cholesterol-risk

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4488

Photo Credit: mcbill

Comment on HelloLife

What's YOUR take on this? Does it bring up any questions? Can you offer more information on this? Did you just enjoy reading it? Leave your comment here!

First Name:

Last Name:

Your Email:

Security Code:

Confirm Code:

You are at least 13 years of age and agree to our terms of service.

(All fields Reqiuired)