Eat Well: Drink Alcohol Wisely
Eat Well: Drink Alcohol Wisely
C. Everett Koop, M.D.
drkoop.com
Drinking alcoholic beverages is not taboo. In fact, alcohol in moderation may have some health benefits.
The key word here is “moderation.” Medical experts say women — who metabolize alcohol differently than do men — should have no more than one drink a day. And men should have no more than two drinks a day. A “drink” by this definition is one 12-ounce can of beer or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. (Throw in a few pretzels instead of potato chips, which are much higher in fat.)
As a group, moderate drinkers have less risk of heart disease and seem to live longer than nondrinkers. However, if you don’t drink, that news is no reason to start.
In your overall quest to stay healthy, you would benefit far more by eating less saturated fat than by adding alcohol to your menu.
drkoop.com
Date Published: 11/1/01
Date Reviewed: 10/24/01
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.