'Tis the season to be jolly, and you're likely raising many a glass to toast your health with family and friends. The ongoing barrage of scientific reports on the benefits of consuming alcoholic beverages may have you believing it's a very health-smart activity indeed. But in order to reap the potential perks, you have to be savvy about what to drink and when. While popular thinking points toward the benefits of drinking red wine in particular, the issue is not a straightforward one. Heart disease and breast cancer risks, blood pressure readings and even bone health are all affected by what's in your glass and how often you refill it.
A glass of wine a day...
First, the good news. In the battle against heart disease, alcohol -- whether in beer, wine or liquor -- has been shown to boost beneficial HDL cholesterol levels. In addition, red wine also contains antioxidants, which may defend artery health in a number of ways, including preventing cholesterol from being deposited in the artery wall. But if a fruity Chardonnay is more to your liking than a Cabernet Sauvignon, keep in mind that some of the same antioxidant substances found in red wine, called flavonoids, are contained in other foods as well. Among them are apples, green or black tea and onions.
To maximize the beneficial effects of alcohol, take a lesson from those who live in the Mediterranean region. In their diet, which often includes a daily glass of wine and has repeatedly received stellar ratings from the scientific community, consuming alcohol is just one component of a healthy lifestyle that features nutritious food as regular fare. Research shows that the impact of consuming moderate amounts of alcohol on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease are seen in those with the highest intake of the B vitamin folic acid, also known as folate. This vitamin is found in dark green vegetables, beans and orange juice. In other words, eat as they do in the Mediterranean if you want the heart-health perks of drinking alcohol.
Some risks of regular consumption
The amount you drink also impacts the level of protection alcohol offers against artery disease. For those with high blood pressure or elevated triglycerides (a fat in the blood thought to boost heart disease risks), alcohol doesn't offer the same advantages, especially when more than moderate amounts are consumed. Too much alcohol is also linked to bone thinning and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Consuming alcohol on a regular basis comes with other health risks, including liver disease and higher odds of developing breast cancer. One recent investigation was carried out by scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health. The Nurses' Health Study tracked 122,000 women and found that postmenopausal women who consume even moderate amounts of alcohol face an increased risk of breast cancer. But as in alcohol's connection with heart disease, there are factors to keep in mind. Folate again seems to be a piece of the puzzle.
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