Question (Jan 7, 2009 at 6:55am)

Jan. 7, 2009 at 6:55am

I have read that a moderate amount of alcohol taken on a regular basis, like a glass of wine with dinner, can be beneficial for your heart. Why is the recommended alcohol limit for women one drink per day, but two per day for men?

Posted in Questions by Anonymous

Comments (1)

Joe says:

Studies have shown that alcohol in moderation can be cardioprotective. That's why I usually have a glass of wine with dinner as part of my Mediterranean diet program.

My perspective is that first, if you do not drink, please do not start drinking for your health. It's a bad idea.

If you do drink alcohol, check with your doctor to determine if it is appropriate because of medications (alcohol can be a problem with some), the need to lose weight (alcohol has lots of empty calories) or the need to lower triglycerides. If it is appropriate, stay within the guidelines of one drink for women and two for men.

The reason for the difference is that women are more affected than men by drinking the same amount of alcohol, even when differences in body weight are taken into account. Women's bodies have proportionately less water than men's bodies. Since alcohol mixes with water in the body, it is more highly concentrated in a woman. Think of it this way: It's like trying to pour the same amount of water into a smaller bucket.
1 | Jan. 7, 2009 at 7:08am

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