Many people argue that drinking alcohol is good for health as reported by many research and journals. However there is a catch. Simply drinking alcohol to your heart’s content will cause more harm than good. Moderation is the key. Two drinks per day for men and one drink per day of women above the age of 45 is considered safe and good for heart health.
This brings us to another important point as to why drinking more is not more beneficial. Well, the answer is simple; excess of anything is bad and alcohol is is no exception. However, there is more to it. Alcohol in excess quantities over a long period of time increases your blood pressure and weakens your heart muscles, which are some of the reasons of heart attack and many ailments.
Why is alcohol in moderate quantities good for heart?
Blood carries nutrients to all parts of the body. As we drink alcohol, it gets absorbed directly by the bloodstream through our digestive system. As alcohol passes through your arteries, it reduces the amount of fatty deposits, which are mainly responsible for narrowing your arteries. By clearing some of the deposits, alcohol essentially cleans your arteries and makes them flexible and wide. This results in more and better flow of blood through them and reduces blood pressure. Patients who drink moderately are often fitter than those who don’t drink but eat a lot of fatty food and lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Different opinions about moderate alcohol consumption
However, by this article, I have no intention to encourage the reader to start drinking alcohol because there is no guarantee that everyone will benefit from moderate drinking. In fact, even doctors and researchers have varied opinions about it. Many believe that those who can control their alcohol consumption habit, often have better and controlled eating habits than those who drink in excess quantities. The overall better health and reduced blood pressure is a result of their controlled eating habits and not of moderate alcohol consumption. Though some studies and observations indicate towards the benefits of alcohol on heart health, it largely depends on your overall lifestyle, body type and many other factors.
As per a study from more than 20 countries, moderate drinkers are 20-40% less likey to develop heart diseases than those who drink excessively or are non-drinkers. If you can reduce your alcohol consumption, you can change your eating habits as well.