Harvard scientists conducted a large -scale study that showed that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and increases "good" cholesterol (HDL) .
These conclusions confirm the data obtained from medical records of nearly 58,000 adults of Japan . Scientists have examined cases of complete rejection of alcohol to moderate consumption .
Restriction of alcohol consumption is important because various health problems, such as accidental injuries, liver disease, high blood pressure - associated with excessive consumption of nape. But the conclusions in a new study by scientists from Harvard University indicate that not everything is so bad. In cases of moderate consumption, there is a benefit that "bad" cholesterol is reduced.
Researchers conducted an experiment involving nearly 58,000 adults of Japan using a database of medical records obtained during routine examinations. It was found that when people went from non -drinking to drinking during the study, they reduced the level of "bad" cholesterol - low -density lipoprotein cholestein or LDL.
“Good” cholesterol, that is, high -density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL, according to the study, when the participants of the experiment consumed alcohol
Interestingly, the level of HDL increased so much that it has actually exceeded the improvements, which are usually observed when taking medication, researchers note.
In people who have switched from zero drinks to 1.5 drinks a day or less, the level of bad cholesterol LDL decreased by 0.85 mg/dL, and the level of good cholesterol HDL increased by 0.58 mg/DL, compared to non -drinking people who have never started drinking. In those who started drinking from zero to 1.5-3 drinks a day, the level of bad LDL decreased by 4.4 mg/dL, and the level of good HDL increased by 2.49 mg/dl.
For reference:
- The optimum level of LDL for adults is less than 100 mg/dl;
- The optimum level of HDL is 60 mg/dl or higher.
Importantly:
Higher levels of LDL can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, peripheral arteries and other health problems.
The higher level of HDL has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases. Although some of the changes reported in the study have been insignificant, researchers note that in some cases they may be relevant.
For example, an increase in LDL by 5 mg/DL is enough to increase the risk of a cardiovascular event by 2-3 percent.
Researchers have launched three different models to adjust various factors, including the main ones, such as age, gender, body mass index, as well as diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as exercise, eating habits and smoking. All models showed the same associations.
They also divided data on what alcoholic beverages people consumed - wine, beer, sake, other alcoholic beverages. The results were the same in all categories.
