Health

Alcohol and Health

How does alcohol reduce heart disease?

Studies show that moderate consumption of alcohol improves health and longevity. The moderate consumption of alcohol is also apparently effective in reducing the incidence of a broad range of diseases and other health problems. The American Heart Association has also reported moderate consumption of alcohol to be associated with dramatically decreased risk of stroke among both men and women, regardless of age or ethnicity.

• Alcohol improves blood lipid profile and It reduces coronary artery spasm in response to stress
• It increases HDL cholesterol
• It decreases LDL cholesterol
• It reduces platelet aggregation and also reduces blood insulin level
• It reduces fibrinogen (a blood clotter)
• It increases fibrinolysis and decreases thrombosis (blood clotting) and it increases coronary blood flow, estrogen levels

If you are dieting for weight loss, stay away from alcohol. A single glass of beer or wine can contain more than 100 cal. Also alcohol acts as an appetite stimulant and that may increase your food cravings.