Moderate alcohol consumption in many cases does not significantly affect health, but it is not risk-free. It is crucial to know the various aspects and risks of drinking alcoholic beverages.
Definition of moderate drinking
Moderate alcohol consumption for a healthy adult is generally defined as drinking one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. One drink is considered 355 ml of beer, 148 ml of wine or 44 ml of strong alcohol.
Are there advantages to moderate alcohol consumption?
Knowledge about the benefits and risks of moderate alcohol consumption in a healthy adult is not as extensive as it might seem. Many lifestyle studies – including diet, exercise, coffee and alcohol consumption – rely on the memory of patients who describe their habits over the years. Such data may indicate that various factors are related, but not necessarily – that one results from the other. Any potential benefits of alcohol are therefore uncertain, relatively small and certainly not applicable to everyone. The latest dietary guidelines also indicate that in many people the possible risks outweigh the possible positive aspects.
Scientists believe, for example, that moderate doses of alcohol can raise levels of good cholesterol in the blood. On the other hand, however, they also increase triglycerides, which is bad for cardiovascular health. Moreover, alcohol is caloric and can cause weight gain, which also negatively affects blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, specialists recommend that the body’s lipid metabolism be restored to balance with exercise and a balanced diet devoid of alcohol, and that cholesterol, if necessary, be kept in check with dietary supplements. Berimal, for example, supports the maintenance of normal cholesterol levels thanks to its garlic content1.
However, if you enjoy generally good health and drink moderate amounts of alcohol from time to time, you are unlikely to have to give it up, as long as you do it responsibly. Remember to consult your doctor when in doubt about what is good for your health and safety.
Risks from alcohol abuse
Although moderate alcohol consumption in many cases does not significantly affect health, heavy drinking – including binge drinking – is very harmful and increases the risk of serious diseases. Repeatedly exceeding the amounts mentioned in the first paragraph, both in a single day and over an extended period of time, is defined as such.
When is it illegal to drink?
In some situations, the consumption of alcohol in any quantity is unacceptable. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, alcohol addicts, people after a stroke, those suffering from liver or pancreatic disease, those with heart failure, and those taking any medications that may interact with alcohol.
1https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3327:„The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of […] garlic dry extract standardized in allicin […] and a reduction in blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations”.