ASKDOCTORANCA

Moderate amounts of alcohol – which is considered to be
more than one or two standard drinks per day, with a weekly
limit of nine standard drinks for women and 14 standard
drinks for men – have been shown to offer protection
against heart disease and stroke. That’s because in
middle-aged and older adults, alcohol may increase HDL
(“good”) cholesterol levels and decrease your risk of
developing blood clots.
But there are also weighty risks to consuming too much
alcohol:
•         It can raise your blood pressure
•         Individuals with high levels of triglycerides
in their blood should not consume alcohol.
•         Calorie counts in alcohol can add up
significantly:
-          A 12 oz, (341mL) bottle of 5% beer with an
alcohol content of 5% has 157 calories
-          1 ½ oz, (43mL) of spirits contains 93 calories
-          A 5 oz glass (142mL) of red wine comes in at 102
calories
-          A 5 oz glass (142mL) of sweet dessert wine can
add up to 220 calories 
•         Some studies link a larger waist size with
alcohol intake. Fat around the waistline can contribute to
high cholesterol, which is linked to an increased risk for
cardiovascular disease.
•         Alcohol may increase the risk of breast cancer,
especially for women who have a family history of the
disease.
A standard drink is:
12 oz (341mL) bottle of 5% beer,
5 oz (142mL) of 12% wine, or
1 ½ oz, (43mL) of 40% spirits or liquor
If you don’t already drink
alcohol, don’t start.

 
Guidelines do not apply if you have liver disease, mental
illness; are taking certain medications; have a personal or
family history of drinking problems or cancer, are pregnant,
trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding, or are told not to
drink for legal, medical or other reasons. If you are
concerned about how drinking may affect your health, check
with your doctor.