Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death.  Controversy has surrounded the role that the consumption of alcohol plays in the risk for cardiovascular disease.  Previous studies have indicated that excess alcohol consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, but low alcohol intake is regarded as beneficial to cardiovascular health.  What is not clear from these studies is whether these health benefits are due to the low intake of alcohol, or whether these apparent benefits are due to other (healthy) lifestyle factors usually associated with people who drink very little alcohol. An in-depth UK study, published in the journal JAMA Cardiology in 2022, shed new light on the risk of different levels of habitual alcohol intake on cardiovascular disease.

After abstaining from alcohol for nine long months during pregnancy, many new mothers can’t wait to relax again with a long overdue drink in hand.  While the harmful effects of the use of alcohol during pregnancy are well known, much less is known about the use of alcohol while breastfeeding.  There are even claims that beer stimulates milk production.   An estimated 50% of breastfeeding woman in Western countries report that they drink alcohol occasionally or more often.  Little emphasis is currently being placed on educating new mothers about the effects of alcohol on breastfeeding.  Makes one wonder if there are any science-based recommendations for breastfeeding moms with regard to the use of alcohol. Effects of alcohol during pregnancy: Guidelines from

After a tough day at the office, sitting down with a drink is a sure way to help you unwind. Having a drink in the company of friends or a loved one can also help you to relax and get into the “feel-good” mood.    In this scenario you can relax with peace of mind, knowing that a study amongst 1.93 million subjects in the United Kingdom about alcohol intake and various forms of heart disease, has found that moderate users of alcohol have a lower risk for some of these conditions than non-drinkers.  Heavy drinking on the other hand, shows a very high risk for most of the 12 cardiovascular conditions covered in the study. Not so fast to celebrate

THE INTAKE OF ALCOHOL Beer contains around 5% alcohol, wines around 10% and spirits around 30%. Metabolism of Alcohol Ethanol is one of the few substances absorbed from the stomach and then further absorbed, unchanged, in the small intestines of humans. The direct absorption in the stomach can be slowed down by having a meal or even a glass of milk with intake.   Alcohol is almost all metabolized in the liver; however, a small amount may pass into the urine and an even smaller amount may be excreted in ones breath. Effect of alcohol on the brain Alcohol is classified together with general anesthetics, as a central nervous system depressant.  In fact it is the rising acetaldehyde blood levels, formed

Beer contains around 5% alcohol, wines around 10% and spirits around 30%. Metabolism of Alcohol Ethanol is one of the few substances absorbed from the stomach and then further absorbed,unchanged, in the small intestines of humans. The direct absorption in the  stomach can be slowed down by having a meal or even a glass of milk with intake.   Alcohol is almost all metabolized in the liver; however, a small amount may pass into the urine and an even smaller amount may be excreted in ones breath. Effect of alcohol on the brain Alcohol is classified together with general anaesthetics, as a central nervous system depressant.  In fact it is the rising acetaldehyde blood levels, formed in the liver when alcohol is