How a daily tipple could help topple risk of heart disease

[Flashermac]

 

At last, some good news for drinkers as research shows alcohol can protect against heart disease.

 

As little as one drink a day can cut the risk of heart problems by up to a quarter, according to two major pieces of research which included almost 150 studies

 

Drinking staved off heart disease regardless of whether the tipple chosen was beer, wine or spirits, compared with people who abstained.

 

Both men and women benefit from 'moderate' drinking and should be told it outweighs the health risks, claim reports published online in the British Medical Journal.

 

Studies have long suggested moderate drinking protects heart health but experts believe the message disguises other harms caused by excess alcohol, ranging from liver damage to premature death.

 

Experts are unclear about how alcohol consumption protects heart patients, with one theory being it helps the body metabolise glucose more efficiently as well as reducing blood clotting.

 

Wine also contains high levels of antioxidant compounds called flavonols which are good for the circulation and red wine increases levels of 'good' cholesterol in the blood.

 

A research team analysing 84 studies found people having about one drink a day were 14 to 25 per cent less likely to develop heart disease compared to those who drink no alcohol at all.

 

Between one and two drinks a day resulted in the lowest risk of death from heart disease.

 

Team leader Professor William Ghali from the University of Calgary, Canada, said it was the most up-to-date and comprehensive review yet.

 

A companion paper looking at 63 studies found moderate consumption of alcohol was good for health, increasing levels of 'good' cholesterol in the blood which protects against heart problems.

 

Dr Susan Brien, also from the University of Calgary, who led the second research team, said the findings strengethened the argument that there is a causal link between drinking and reduced heart disease.

 

The amount needed is modest, she said. Up to one drink or 15g of alcohol a day for women and up to two drinks or 30g of alcohol a day for men.

 

She said it was the alcohol content that provides the benefits - not the type of beverage involved.

 

In the UK, one unit of alcohol measures 8g. Men are advised to drink no more than 3-4 units a day (equivalent of a pint and a half of lager) and women should stay within 2-3 units a day (a 175ml glass of wine).

 

The Canadian researchers said a balance needs to be found between the two opposing public health messages - that drinking large amounts is bad for you, while moderate drinking has health benefits.

 

Prof Ghali said 'There may now be an impetus to better communicate to the public that alcohol in moderation, may have overall ehalth benefits that outweugh the risks.

 

'Any such strategy would need to be accompanied by rigorous study and oversight of impacts.'

 

But other experts say alcohol is the main cause of death from liver disease and contributes to a range of other illnesses, from cancer to mental ill-health.

 

Leading doctors in The Lancet medical journal earlier this week warned that up to 250,000 extra lives could be lost through excess drinking in the next 20 years.

 

The latest reviews should not be a reason to take up drinking in order to improve health, it is claimed.

 

Cathy Ross, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said 'This analysis of previous studies supports what we already know about moderate drinking reducing our risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

'However, drinking more than sensible amounts of alcohol does not offer any protection and can cause high blood pressure, stroke, some cancers and damage to our heart.

 

'If you don’t drink, this is not a reason to start. Similar results can be achieved by being physically active and eating a balanced and healthy diet.'

 

 

 

Boozers R Us

[ozpharlap]

"Wine also contains high levels of antioxidant compounds called flavonols which are good for the circulation and red wine increases levels of 'good' cholesterol in the blood."

 

Flavonoids are thousands of different substances found in virtually all plants. These substances are responsible for the pigmentation or colors of the plants that have those wonderful hues of orange, yellow, red and dark green.

 

The chemistry of falconoid can be very complicated and they are grouped as flavonols, dihydroflavonols, flavones, isoflavones, flavanones, anthocyanins, and anthocyanidins. There are hundreds, and sometimes thousands of different falconoid in these groups.

 

However, all falconoid work as antioxidants and have excellent benefits for the human body. One of their main functions is to protect our cells from damage by toxins and other pollutants in the environment that are harmful. These substances are grouped into what is called free radicals. Free radicals cause damage, disease, and aging to our bodies at the cellular level.

 

Sources of flavonoids include: apples, apricots, blueberries, pears, raspberries, strawberries, black beans, cabbage, onions, parsley, pinto beans, and tomatoes.