Alcohol. It does a body good ... in moderation, that is. But let's be honest, this is college. And moderation is not necessarily in the typical college drinker's vocabulary - especially with St. Patty's day around the corner.
In moderation, however, drinking can be good for you! And it's not just from red wine that we may reap the health benefits of alcohol. Though red wine certainly has potent antioxidants, cardiovascular benefit has been observed regardless of the choice of alcoholic beverage.
This is due primarily to the ethanol found in alcohol, which has a positive effect on the lining of blood vessels and helps your arteries maintain their elasticity. In addition, the American Heart Association (AHA) asserts that moderate drinking appears to be good for the heart and circulatory system, and probably protects against type two diabetes and gallstones. Let's make a toast!
Alas, there's a catch. Although drinking has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, men should have no more than two drinks a day - and women no more than one - to gain this benefit. You'd think that if one drink is healthy, the more the merrier, but the problem is that a high alcohol intake decreases alcohol's protective antioxidant effect.
The government's new 2005 dietary guidelines for Americans say that those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so "sensibly and in moderation." One drink counts as 12 ounces of regular beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits - which can equal out to a measly sip, regardless how heavy some drinkers might be.
In a large wine goblet, this serving only fills one-third of the glass - don't be fooled into thinking you are only drinking two glasses when the wine glasses contain up to 12 ounces, or when the beer glasses hold 24. If one 24-ounce glass is half-filled, then you have had your quota - I hate to tell you to do the math, but that is what you need to do, unless you want to be the cool guy who whips out the measuring cup at the bar.
No matter the occasion, it's still important to remain vigilant about how much alcohol you consume. The risk of consuming too much takes the fun away from "drinking to your health." The AHA states that heavy alcohol consumption raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, and pancreatic and liver failure, not to mention severe dementia. Don't mean to scare you right before St. Pat's day, but it's good to keep these facts in mind if you intend upon hitting up the keg stands.
Another reason to cut down on the amount you drink is that, if consumed in the proper proportion, alcohol can slightly increase HDL ("good") cholesterol. Non-drinkers, don't fret: you can do regular physical exercise and achieve the same raise in HDL cholesterol.
In addition, resveratrol is a flavanoid found in alcoholic beverages that may prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together, which might reduce clot formation and the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Okay, so this is all great for non-drinkers and for cheap "one-beer-wonder" dates who can drink moderately, get drunk, and still receive some health benefits. But what if you know you want to drink more come St. Patty's Day and are still concerned about your health?
If your plan is to go out and get obliterated like a sloppy Joe, I can't help you there. But if you're looking to be a cautious drinker, here's the bottom line: the number of calories varies depending upon the drink. Calories add up drink after drink, and if those extra ones are not burned off, not only is weight gain inevitable, but the positive health benefits that alcohol is said to have certainly won't apply.
A good rule of thumb: mixed drinks are usually loaded with sugar and calories. Such delicacies would include favorites like a Cosmopolitan, Sex on the Beach, whiskey sour, daiquiri, or even a margarita!
Drinking on an empty stomach is also not such a hot idea. First off, it can make you pretty sick, and that's definitely not fun. Secondly, those who drink alcohol without food might be more likely to develop high blood pressure (hypertension) than those who drink while eating.
Realize your limit and be aware that health benefits can arise if you consume alcohol in the proper amount, especially when complemented by food. Studies have consistently linked moderate consumption of alcohol to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Let's drink to that!
Senior Marissa Beck, an English and Art History major, works with the Strong Women program as an assistant manager and personal trainer for the Tufts Personalized Performance Program. She can be reached at Marissa.Beck@tufts.edu.
This column is written in conjunction with Emily Bergeron, R.D., the editor of the Daily's Balance section.
