Moderate drinking increases lifespan

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 02 Dec 2004 - 22:00 PDT

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Moderate drinking may help to extend lifespan, according to new research.

The Centre for Alcohol Research in Copenhagen discovered that that a glass or two of wine or a pint of beer a day can protect against illnesses such heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

The study involved 57,000 people aged between 55 and 65 and examined the links between their drinking habits and death rates. It concluded that those who drink frequently and in moderation are more likely to outlive heavier drinkers and teetotallers.

Lead researcher Professor Morten Gronbaek said: "The results show that alcohol can be good for your health, provided you adopt a careful drinking style.

"Age-related diseases like thrombosis take a long time to develop but alcohol seems able to delay it by years."

Scientists believe that alcohol can help reduce the harmful levels of fats known as LDL cholesterol in the blood and boosts the good or HDL cholesterol which helps stop clogged arteries.
http://www.hda-online.org.uk