It turns out that there’s more evidence that moderate drinking may be good for you:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) — Men with high blood pressure are usually advised to avoid alcohol, but U.S. and Dutch researchers said Tuesday that a drink or two every day may reduce their chances of a heart attack.
The study of 11,000 men supports other research that shows small-to-moderate amounts of alcohol can lower the risk of heart disease, by increasing the levels of high density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol, and by making blood less likely to clot.
Drinkers in general have a bigger risk of high blood pressure, and heavy drinking raises the risk of early death overall, including from heart disease. But many studies have shown that moderate drinkers may be healthier.
The team at the Harvard School of Public Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Wageningen University in the Netherlands wanted to see whether men with high blood pressure, who are generally advised not to drink, might safely enjoy a little wine, beer or spirits.
As I said last month, works for me. Drink up !
