Spirits for the Heart

I often prefer a stiff drink over a glass of wine. At the end of a long week, I may seek a very dry martini or a good scotch to ease the accumulated stresses. For me, these spirits cut the edge. Neither beer nor wine provides the same remedy. One, maybe two, is all. Generally, not more than 2 times per week.

The prevailing wisdom, however, has been that wine is the healthier alternative. Wine may well be an important element in the Mediterranean diet, a way of eating associated with longer life, reduced risk of cardiovascular and cancer mortality and reduced risk of dementia and declines in cognitive function as we age. Wine contains micronutrients that are beneficial.

A study released by researchers at the Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health found that liquors and beer deliver some of the same health benefits as wine (1). The study focused on the relationship between moderate alcohol intake and a reduction in inflammation.

Normally, inflammation is part of a healthy immune response that heals injury and fight infection But chronic inflammation is very different. Cancer, diabetes, depression, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's—these seemingly diverse diseases--are increasingly thought to have inflammation as a common denominator.

And the concerns around cholesterol and cardiovascular health also center on inflammation. LDL cholesterol, the type of cholesterol that can clog your arteries, is most seriously an issue when the arteries are inflamed.

A marker for inflammation is the compound C-reactive protein (CRP) that can be measured through blood tests. Assessing CRP levels is currently recommended for those at increased risk of heart disease. High levels of CRP are associated with future heart attacks and strokes.

Prior to the Harvard study, much research did indicate that moderate levels of alcohol consumption led to reductions in CRP levels. Most studies examining this relationship focused on a single type of alcoholic beverage. As a result, it remained uncertain whether the impact differed by the type of alcoholic beverage consumed.

The Harvard study compared CRP levels and alcohol consumption of 11,815 women. Some were beer drinkers. Others drank wine. And others drank liquors. Still others enjoyed some each. Overall, the association between alcohol and CRP levels were found to be related to alcohol consumption rather than the type of alcohol consumed.

Needless to say, the power of alcohol consumption was found to be less than the power of good eating habits, lower weight and physical activity. The results, however, are consistent with the general recommendation. Alcohol, in moderation, may well be a useful component in a healthy lifestyle. Cheers!

American Heart Association Recommendations: At this point, the AHA does not recommend drinking alcohol, but if you drink, AHA emphasizes moderation. Moderation means not more than one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Too much can increase weight, triglycerides and blood pressure. Excessive drinking can lead to other serious heart problems.

(1) Levitan, B, Emily, "Association Between Consumption of Beer, Wine, and Liquor and Plasma Concentration of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Women Aged 39 to 89 Year" The American Journal of Cardiology Volume 96, Issue 1, July 1, 2005, pp 83-88.