According to a compilation of 30 years of research, an alcoholic drink a day can help ward off heart diseases and improve overall heart health and function.
The study which has been published in the British Medical Journal found that there was a reduction of 14% to 25% in heart diseases in moderate drinkers compared with people who had never drink alcohol.
Another article, by the same Canadian scientist at the University of Calgary, showed alcohol also increased “good” cholesterol levels.
This review showed that the overall risk of death was lower for those consuming small quantities of alcohol, 2.5g to 14.9g, compared with non-drinkers. The researchers also say regular moderate drinking reduced all forms of cardiovascular disease by up to 25%.
It is important to note that this is a slippery slope as what we consider moderate may mean different things to different people. In fact, while consuming small quantities of alcohol had a beneficial effect on the number of strokes, the risk increased significantly with heavier drinking. Heavier drinking is also a leading cause of liver cirrhosis. A little bit does you good, but a lot does you harm
For non-drinkers, this should not be a license to start. Being physically active, adapting stress reducing techniques like prayer or yoga, and eating a balanced diet can help you achieve the same effect.[ad#Adsense-200by200sq]
