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Alcohol
Although small amounts of alcohol could have possible health benefits, the risks of drinking alcohol far outweigh the benefits.
Most Canadians drink responsibly. Responsible drinking is defined as having one drink every other day, up to a maximum of two drinks a day. For example, one drink being a 142 mL (5 oz.) glass of wine, 43 mL (1.5 oz.) of liquor, or 341 mL (12 oz.) of beer. Drinking responsibly may reduce your risk for heart disease, as alcohol can be linked to improved levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol. All types of alcohol appear to have this benefit. Red wine might have extra heart health benefits because it may limit the formation of blood clots and reduce inflammation in blood vessels. |
Although small amounts of alcohol could have possible health benefits, the risks of drinking alcohol far outweigh the benefits. Heavy or binge drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion) can have serious negative effects on health including stroke, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats. Even as much as one drink a day can increase the risk of some cancers. Also, having a couple of drinks a day can promote weight gain. If you don’t drink, don’t start. The best lifestyle changes you can make for your heart are eating healthy, having an active lifestyle, and becoming or staying smoke-free.
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