INDIVIDUALS who drink alcohol in moderation (about one drink a day or less) are less likely to develop heart disease than those who drink no alcohol at all, according to a study published today.
Those who drink a small amount are 14-25% less likely to develop the condition than non-drinkers, the research led by Professor William Ghali, from the University of Calgary, in Canada, found.
A paper led by Dr Susan Brien, also from the University of Calgary, found that moderate consumption of alcohol (up to one drink or 15g alcohol per day for women and up to two drinks or 30g alcohol per day for men) is good for health.
The researchers say that moderate amounts of alcohol significantly increase the levels of “good” cholesterol circulating in the body and this has a protective effect against heart disease.
