Alcohol: Merit in Moderation

Today, there is renewed acceptance that alcoholic drinks may have a role in nutrition and health – so long as they are taken in moderation. However, heavy drinking and alcoholism remain major causes of both death and illness.

A daily dose of alcohol?

Because alcohol dilated small blood vessels and increases the blood flow to the tissues, a moderate intake of up to three glasses of red wine a day can help to stave off coronary heart disease, especially in middle-aged and elderly men, even if they have already suffered a heart attack.

Alcohol also increases the levels of high density lipoproteins (HDLs) – protective molecules that transport cholesterol away from the body tissues and arterydefine walls.

But beware, too much alcohol increases blood pressure and can cause irregular heart rhythms, precipitating a coronary attack.

Also, alcohol is primarily a source of ‘empty calories’, although some drinks do provide micronutrients – particularly wine and some beer, which contain some minerals and B vitamins. However, because a high alcohol intake makes people feel full, there is a risk that it may displace other more nutritious foods from the diet.

Although it is loaded with calories that supply almost instant energy to the bloodstream, alcohol lacks most essential nutrients and vitamins. Thus people who consistently drink heavily are at risk from nutritional deficiencies.

Benefits of Alcohol

• Moderate consumption is associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease in elder men and women.

• Can enhance happy mood.

Drawbacks

• Can deepen an unhappy mood and lead to aggression.

• Harmful during pregnancy.

• Harmful if mixed with certain medicines and drugs.

• Result in hangovers.

• High intakes linked with an increased risk of certain cancers.

• Binges may precipitate gout, pancreatits or a heart attack.

• Persistent alcohol abuse may cause permanent liver damage