Researchers first began studying the potential health benefits of alcohol consumption as a result of the "French paradox". It was found that despite a relatively rich diet and drinking wine with meals, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease. This led researchers to investigate the possible link between moderate alcohol consumption and health.
Drink in Moderation
How much should you drink? Research has turned up a number of health benefits that are linked to alcohol consumption. However, the ideal amount of alcohol to achieve these benefits is one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men. A drink can be 175 ml of wine, one standard-sized can or bottle of beer, or one standard shot of spirits. Drinking more or not drinking all week and then having many drinks in one night will not provide any additional benefits and can cause health problems. Also, those who take medication, suffer from certain health conditions, or are pregnant should avoid alcohol altogether.
The Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Although some studies suggest that red wine offers additional health-protective effects due to its high antioxidant content, the benefits listed below can be obtained by drinking any type of alcohol in moderation.
- Dementia: A French study found that people who drank daily in moderation were less likely to develop dementia than nondrinkers and those who only had one drink each week.
- Gallstones: Some studies have suggested that those who drink moderately cut their risk of developing gallstones by about 50%.
- Heart health: Moderate drinking reduces the risk of both heart disease and death by heart attack; studies have found variable risk reduction rates, ranging from 25% (various studies) to 40% (Nurses’ Health Study-a longitudinal study of 85,709 nurses).
- Ischemic stroke: Moderate drinkers have a 70% reduced risk for ischemic strokes, a leading cause of disability and death. However, heavy drinking increases the risk of suffering ischemic strokes.
- Type 2 diabetes: There are some indications that moderate drinking may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes; however, consuming large quantities of alcohol actually increases the risk for this condition.
- Vascular benefits: Numerous studies suggest a 25% to 40% risk reduction for peripheral vascular disease in moderate drinkers.
- General health: A national (U.S.) study found that moderate drinkers are more likely to get enough sleep each night, exercise regularly and be at a healthy weight than nondrinkers and heavy drinkers.
Further Information
- To learn about the adverse health consequences associated with heavy drinking, please see Alcohol and Health Problems.
- To read about medications and medical conditions that require avoiding alcohol, see Alcohol's Health Benefits and Risks.
- To learn about specific health-protective effects of red wine, see Health Benefits of Red Wine.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent medical advice. If you have any concerns regarding your health or whether alcohol could aggravate any pre-existing medical condition, you should consult your doctor.
References:
- Harvard School of Public Health. (2007). “Alcohol.” hsph.harvard.edu.
- Kovacs, Elizabeth, J., Ph.D., Messingham, Kelly A.N., Ph.D. (2002). “Influence of alcohol and gender on immune response.” Alcohol Research & Health, Winter, 2002.
- MayoClinic.com. (2008). “Alcohol and your health: Weighing the pros and cons.”
- Morefocus group Inc. “Red Wine and Health, Red Wine in Moderation Can Have a Positive Effect on Health.” Morefocus.com.
- National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia). (2001). Australian Alcohol Guidelines: Health Risks and Benefits.
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