MedClick

Alcohol is believed to reduce the risk of developing coronary disease; it has been found to reduce the good HDL cholesterol and has anti clotting effects. Other studies have found that cognitively impaired elderly patients who drank in moderation did not deteriorate as quickly as abstainers. Light drinkers are less likely than abstainers to develop diabetes. The potential benefits of moderate drinking in middle-aged and elderly people can be achieved at consumption levels as low as half of one standard drink per day.

According to a new study, drinking alcohol in moderation might help maintain the bone strength of both men and of postmenopausal women, who have lower levels of oestrogen (which helps to maintain bone mass). The study found a stronger association between bone density and drinking beer and wine, compared to spirits, indicating that it is more than just the alcohol content that boosts bone health. Both beer and wine contain silicon, a mineral that promotes bone formation. Wine also contains polyphenols that may stimulate bone-building. The consumption of small amounts of alcohol on a regular basis is healthier and more beneficial than sporadic consumption of larger amounts.

Moderate drinking is defined as not more than two standard drinks per day for a man age 65 or under, and not more than one standard drink per day for a man over the age of 65 or a woman of any age. The Government's guidelines say that a man should not regularly drink more than 3-4 alcohol units a day and a woman should not regularly exceed 2-3 units a day.

What is an alcohol unit? 

One alcohol unit is measured as 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. This equals one 25ml single measure of whisky alcohol by volume (or ABV) 40%, or a third of a pint of beer (ABV 5-6%) or half a standard (175ml) glass of red wine (ABV 12%).

The choice to drink or not to drink alcoholic beverages should be an individual matter, reflecting each person's cultural values, religious beliefs, and personal preferences as well as health considerations. Both moderate drinking and abstention are compatible with a healthy lifestyle. Although moderate drinking has potential health benefits for some people, no one should ever feel pressured to drink alcoholic beverages for health reasons.

If you'd like to keep celebrations high during the holiday season - but your drinking low - follow these practical suggestions on how to drink wisely.

Develop a responsible attitude toward drinking. This basically means not becoming drunk. You don't need to drink in order to have a good time, even though it is an accepted part of socialising. If you don't want to drink alcohol, ask for a soft drink; you can be just as sociable.

Measure your drinks. 150 mls wine, 1 pint of beer, or 1 measure of spirits is the maximum that a 160-pound man should consume in an hour. A lighter person should drink less. If your drink somehow vanishes before the hour is up, switch to juice or a soft drink.

Avoid straight spirits and wine. Mix them with plain or carbonated water. If you are drinking a glass of good wine and don't want to dilute it, sip some water on the side. Make that wine last. Savour it. Additionally, don't accept unfamiliar drinks and cocktails. They may contain more alcohol than you are used to drinking.

Never drink on an empty stomach. Before going out for the evening, make sure you have had a substantial meal or when drinking, eat starches, proteins, or fats to keep the alcohol from being absorbed too quickly.

Serve non-alcoholic drinks. When hosting a party, be sure to serve non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Don't "push" alcohol on your friends. Close the bar before the party ends. Serve coffee or tea before people leave. Don't let any intoxicated guests drive themselves home. Call them a cab, take them home yourself, or ask them to stay overnight.

Never drive after you've been drinking...even after one drink. If you must drive, wait at least an hour per drink before driving (equivalent to one beer or one shot of whisky).Better still, if you know you will be drinking leave the car at home - and take a taxi or use public transport.