Alcohol often gets bad rap – and for a good reason, because it is associated with a list of health risks, from liver disease and high blood pressure to cancer and casual injuries. However, a new study suggests that alcohol consumption may have at least one amazing health: it can improve cholesterol.
A Navalo Study of Harvard University, published at Jama Network Open, found that moderate alcohol consumption could actually increase “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL). However, before you get to this holiday drink, there is still a history in history.
Study: Burvings, Cholesterol and Database 58,000
During the year in Japan, almost 58,000 adults have been studying, analyzing their medical documents to track cholesterol. The researchers found an interesting trend: when the Neapines started drinking, their LDL (poor cholesterol) decreased, and their HDL (good cholesterol) increased.
In fact, the HDL level improved so significantly that they exceeded some cholesterol medicines. Conversely, those who refused alcohol saw the level of LDL, and the level of HDL will decrease.
The study revealed a direct link between alcohol consumption and cholesterol shift:
- Light drunks (up to 1.5 drinks a day) saw a slight decrease in LDL 0.85 mg/dl and an increase in HDL by 0.58 mg/dL.
- Moderate drunks (1.5 to 3 drinks per day) felt a more significant LDL decrease by 4.4 mg/dL and an increase in HDL 2.49 mg/dL.
- Heavy drunks (3+ drinks per day) saw the biggest shifts, with LDL decreased by 7.44 mg/dL and HDL, which increases by 6.12 mg/dL.
Meanwhile, those who quit drinking survived:
- Light fans who threw have seen that LDL increased 1.10 mg/dl and HDL drop by 1.25 mg/dL.
- Moderate drunks who threw have had an increase in LDL by 3.71 mg/dl and a HDL drop by 3.35 mg/dL.
- Heavy alcohol -thrown alcohols saw an increase in LDL by 6.53 mg/dl and the fall of HDL 5.65 mg/dL.
What does that mean for your health?
For reference, the optimal LDL level is below 100 mg/dl, and HDL should be 60 mg/dl and above. The lower LDL reduces the risk of heart disease, while higher HDL offers protective cardiovascular advantages.
Even small cholesterol levels can have a noticeable effect of just 5 mg/DL at LDL increases the risk of cardiovascular event by 2-3%. The study falls on different factors, including age, gender, BMI, exercise habits and smoking. The results remained consistent in different types of alcohol, including wine, beer, lake and alcohol.
Although this study is added to existing studies that suggest that alcohol may offer some cardiovascular benefits, it’s not green light to start drinking excessively. Previous studies have linked alcohol consumption at a less risk of heart attacks and strokes, but also with an increased risk of breast, liver and rectum.
So, what is the conclusion? If you are already drinking, moderation is key. If you don’t drink, this study does not suggest that you should start for the sake of your cholesterol and if you think about throwing alcohol, you should monitor cholesterol with a healthcare provider.
Harvard researchers concluded that while alcohol may have some benefits to cholesterol, the risks far exceed the awards for many people. Their tips? When you drink, drink responsibly. If you threw, keep track of your cholesterol.
As with most things in life, the balance is key, and when it comes to alcohol and health, it is best to pull, not play, your way to healing.
Note for readers: This article is intended only for information purposes rather than to replace professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a doctor with any medical issues.
