Last updated 24 November 2011
Studies have consistently shown that a moderate intake of alcohol can help to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, an expert has said.Linda Main, a registered dietician and nutritionist at Heart UK - The Cholesterol Charity, said that people should consider drinking one to three units per day to reduce their risk of poor heart health.
She revealed: 'Alcohol increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood, a form of good cholesterol.
'The beneficial effect is small and insufficient to merit alcohol consumption in those that currently abstain. However, heavy alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.'
Ms Main noted that the type of alcoholic beverage appears to be irrelevant - a claim that is supported by a recent Italian study.
While a large body of research indicates a link between wine drinking and reduced risk, the latest analysis in the European Journal of Epidemiology discovered that a moderate intake of beer could also cut people's chances of developing heart disease by 31 per cent.
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/interactive/news/moderate-alcohol-intake-may-cut-heart-disease-risk--id801221082-t116.html
