Alcohol and health
Many studies mention about a number of health benefits of taking alcohol if taken in moderation.
A 1990 study included results of more than 275,000 men followed since 1959 – compared with those who never drank alcohol, those who consumed one to two drinks a day had a significantly reduced mortality rate from both coronary heart disease (heart attacks) and “all causes.”
Those who consumed three or more drinks a day still had a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease, but had a higher mortality rate overall.
In 2004 another study mentioned the same. Results like these have been consistent across a number of studies in different populations. Even studies published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research agree that moderate drinking seems to be associated with a decreased risk of death overall.
The benefits of drinking are seen in cardiovascular diseases. But alcohol seems to have different effects on different diseases.
In cancer, the picture isn’t as rosy. A 2007 study involving the Women’s Health Study found that increased alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
About 6,000 people followed in Britain found that those who consumed moderate alcohol at least once a week had significantly better cognitive function in middle age than those who did not drink at all.
A 2004 review found upto 56% lower rates of diabetes compared with nondrinkers. Heavy drinkers, however, had an increased incidence of diabetes.
In one study, systolic blood pressure showed a reduction. Although some study saw a small but significant increase in blood pressure.
A 2011 meta-analysis examined 63 controlled trials of wine, beer and spirits, and found that all of those beverages increased levels of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). There was even a dose-response, with more alcohol consumed having more of an effect.
Alcohol isn’t water; it can harm as well as many medical conditions can get aggravated. Pregnant women should avoid it. And those who can’t drink responsibly should abstain; alcohol is extremely harmful when abused and taken in large quantities. It creates social havoc so much so that it’s difficult for doctors to tell people to start drinking for their health.
Most evidence does indicate that moderate alcohol consumption is safe, and that it may even be healthy for many.
