How Much Is Good for You?
Do as the French Do
The French diet is often used as an example of how wine can improve heart health. The French have a fairly high-fat diet but their heart disease risk is relatively low. Some have attributed this their red wine consumption.
But there are so many differences between the lifestyle of the French and Americans from their activity levels to the foods they eat. You cannot isolate red wine as the cure-all for disease prevention.
Whatever alcoholic beverage you like, drinking in moderation and try to having it with a meal. Alcohol can stimulate the appetite so it is better to drink it with food. When alcohol is mixed with food, it can slow the stomach’s emptying time and potentially decrease the amount of food eaten overall.
The alcohol of choice for heart health is red wine due to the antioxidant resveratrol. Although any alcohol in a limited amount will provide the same health benefits.
Alcohol Lowers Cholesterol
Alcohol can have a very powerful effect and increase HDL “good” cholesterol by 20% if used moderately and in connection with a healthy diet along with regular exercise. High HDL levels are know to lower risks of heart disease.
Research evidence points to ethanol, or the alcohol component, of beer, wine, or spirits as the substrate that can help lower cholesterol levels, increase ‘good’ HDL cholesterol.
Boost Your Brain
A recent study shows a boost in brain power for women who enjoy a little alcohol. The study, evaluated more than 12,000 women aged 70-81.
Moderate drinkers scored better than nondrinkers on mental function tests. Researchers found a boost in brainpower with one drink a day. Moderate drinkers had a 23% reduced risk of mental decline compared with nondrinkers.
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