Potential Health Effects of Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Jul 27, 2017 8:00 AM ET

Potential Health Effects of Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol has been a part of our country’s social traditions and celebrations for centuries. Most adult drinkers are social drinkers, who enjoy moderate alcohol consumption (defined in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men) as a part of a healthy lifestyle.

According to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Most adults who drink do so responsibly with no harm to their health. In fact, for some people, drinking moderately is associated with a variety of potential health benefits including a decreased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and certain types of strokes.”

Research over the last four decades (both epidemiological and molecular studies) have demonstrated the potential health benefits of moderate drinking Read more.