POTENTIAL BENEFITS
Several studies in recent years have concluded that a moderate consumption of alcohol (no more than two units of alcohol daily) can help reduce the risk of heart disease. It is suggested that alcohol helps raise the HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or more commonly known as "good cholesterol") level in blood, which in turn reduces cholesterol's tendency to clog the arteries.

Other possible benefits of alcohol consumption include anti-clotting properties and an increased intake of antioxidants. Alcohol or substances like resveratrol that are present in alcoholic beverages may prevent platelets in blood from sticking together, possibly reducing clot formation and thus reducing the risk of heart disease or stroke. Antioxidants may also prove to be helpful in protecting the heart, but clinical trials on antioxidants like Vitamin E have not shown any cardio-protective effect.

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In a study conducted by Dr Henk Hendricks and colleagues at the TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute, it was found that beer could present better health benefits than the poster child for alcohol consumption, the red wine. Not only does beer contain Vitamin B6, which can prevent the buildup of homocysteine - a chemical that may precipitate heart disease - in the human body, homocysteine levels also did not increase after consumption of beer, as compared to wine and spirit consumption.

WEIGHTY ISSUES
Without moderation, a possible risk of alcohol consumption is that alcohol adds calories empty of nutritional benefit and tends to remove inhibitions about snacking. This is particularly worrisome for people who are already facing problems controlling their weight. Four ounces of wine, less than what many wine glasses can hold, has between 95 to 130 calories. A one-half ounce shot (2 tablespoons) of pure alcohol contains between 80 to 90 calories, whilst an eleven-ounce of beer with 4.5% alcohol has 120 to 140 calories.

Not only can alcohol help contribute to weight problems, the nutrient density of daily meals are reduced if alcohol becomes a regular contributor of daily calories. Long-term excess alcohol consumption can also lead to impaired uptake or increased turnover of several micronutrients, resulting in low levels of potassium, magnesium, zinc, and other nutrients.

TIME TO START?
While there is a possible positive link between alcohol consumption and the prevention of heart disease, it may not be a good enough reason to start drinking. Ms Ong Eng Gim, dietician at East Shore Hospital, states, "many health professionals do not recommend people to start drinking alcohol as a preventive measure. She goes on to say, "the focus is usually on dietary recommendations - weight control, and reduced intake of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol - combined with physical activity."

It is also important to note that only moderate consumption of alcohol is beneficial, as overt alcohol consumption brings about its own set of problems. These include malnutrition, liver disease, cancer, psychological disturbances and nervous disorders.

(This article first appeared in Parkway Medicine, April 2002)