Drink to Your Health?

Every week, it seems, new research on alcohol is published. One study promotes drinking to help reduce heart disease. Another discovers that alcohol increases your cancer risk. What's a health conscious American to do? "For many, moderate intake can raise good cholesterol and reduce blood clotting, which can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke and possibly for type 2 diabetes," says Amy P. Campbell, MS, RD, CDE, dietitian and manager, Clinical Education Programs at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.

Ah, there's that word, moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines, the American Heart Association, and the American Diabetes Association define "moderate" as being up to one serving of alcohol per day for women and up to two servings per day for men. A serving is 12 ounces of beer, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (like gin or whiskey) or 5 ounces of red or white wine. (Some studies have shown no difference between red or white in terms of heart health; others have shown that red has an advantage because it contains antioxidants called anthocyanins; still other research has found that white wine contains other types of antioxidants that may be just as protective.)

How will alcohol affect me if I have diabetes or I'm overweight?
Whether you drink wine, whiskey, vodka or beer, it appears that any of type of alcohol--in moderation, of course-- has protective effects against heart disease and possibly diabetes. Beyond moderate amounts, however, no further heart benefits accrue, and you can increase risk of several types of cancer as well as other conditions.

Anyone with liver disease, pancreatitis, or a history of alcoholism should avoid drinking alcohol, as should pregnant women. If you have a chronic condition such as arthritis or heart disease, you must speak with your doctor about whether drinking any alcohol is safe for you. Here are some guidelines from experts: