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Alcohol often gets a bad rap – and for good cause because it is associated with the list of laundry of health risks, from liver disease and high blood pressure to cancer and accidental injuries. However, a new research suggests that drinking alcohol can lead to at least one stunning health perk: it can improve your cholesterol levels.
A groundbreaking study of Harvard University published in JAMA Network Open has said that medium liquor consumption may actually promote “good” cholesterol (HDL) and low “bad” cholesterol (LDL). However, before you arrive for that festival drink, there is more to the story.
Study: Buzz, cholesterol and a 58,000-person database
Research followed about 58,000 adults in Japan during a year, analyzed its medical records to track changes in cholesterol. Researchers discovered an interesting trend: When non-drinkers began to drink alcohol, their LDL (poor cholesterol) fell, while their HDL (good cholesterol) increased.
In fact, HDL levels improved so much that they improved some cholesterol medicines. Conversely, people who leave alcohol climb their LDL level and their HDL level falls.
The study found a direct connection between alcohol intake and cholesterol shift:
- Light drinkers (up to 1.5 drinks per day) saw a slight LDL drop of 0.85 mg/DL and HDL increase of 0.58 mg/DL.
- Moderate drinkers (1.5 to 3 drinks per day) experienced a more important LDL drop of 4.4 mg/dL and HDL boost of 2.49 mg/dL.
- Heavy liquor drinkers (3+ drinks per day) saw the biggest changes, with LDL 7.44 mg/DL and HDL growing 6.12 mg/DL.
Meanwhile, people who leave alcohol experience reverse:
- Light drinkers who increased LDL with 1.10 mg/DL and HDL drop 1.25 mg/dL.
- LDL, which released moderate drinkers, was increased by 3.71 mg/DL and HDL drop 3.35 mg/DL.
- Those who left heavy alcohol saw 6.53 mg/DL LDL growth and HDL drop of 5.65 mg/DL.
What does it mean to your health?
For reference, an optimal LDL level is below 100 mg/dL and HDL must be 60 mg/DL or higher. Low LDL reduces the risk of heart disease, while high HDL provides protective heart benefits.
Even small changes in cholesterol levels can have a remarkable effect-the increase of heart occur by just 5 mg/dL in LDL increases the risk of heart 2-3%. The study was responsible for various factors including age, gender, BMI, exercise habits and smoking. Alcohol, beer, sake and souls remained in line with various types of alcohol.
While this study was added to existing research, which may suggest alcohol that some heart benefits can provide, it is not a green light to start drinking excessively. Previous studies have added alcohol consumption to a low risk of heart attack and stroke, but also to increase the risks of breasts, liver and colorectal cancer.
So, what is Takeaway? If you already drink, moderation is important. If you do not drink, this study does not suggest that you should start for your cholesterol and if you are thinking about quitting alcohol, it is worth monitoring your cholesterol level with the healthcare provider.
Harvard researchers concluded that while alcohol could have some cholesterol benefits, the awards have been removed for many people. Their advice? If you drink, drink responsibly. If you leave, keep an eye on your cholesterol.
With most things in life, balance is important and when it comes to alcohol and health, it is best, not the chag, your way for welfare.
Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.
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