With all the warnings about the dangers of alcohol consumption, it can be hard to remember that moderate drinking can have some health benefits. Specifically, studies have shown that moderate drinking can reduce the risk of both infarction and stroke.

While no one would advocate for drinking to excess, the occasional glass of wine or beer could potentially help protect your heart and brain.

Alcohol and Infarction

One of the leading causes of heart disease is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart muscle. This often results in chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

In severe cases, it can cause a heart attack. Moderate drinking, however, has been shown to reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

A study published in the journal Cardiology found that moderate drinking (one or two drinks per day) reduced the risk of coronary heart disease by between 30% and 50%.

Another study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that moderate drinking reduced the risk of heart attack by between 20% and 40%. These studies suggest that moderate drinking might help to keep the arteries of the heart clear and free from plaque build-up, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Alcohol and Stroke

Stroke is another serious disease that can be reduced by moderate alcohol consumption. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot or ruptured blood vessel.

This can cause damage to the brain, leading to a wide range of symptoms including difficulty speaking, paralysis, and death.

Studies have shown that moderate drinking can reduce the incidence of stroke by between 20% and 30%.

One study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that the risk of stroke was reduced by roughly 20% in men who drank moderately. Other studies have found similar results in women.

Why Does Moderate Drinking Help?

The exact mechanism by which moderate drinking reduces the risk of infarction and stroke is not fully understood. One theory is that alcohol helps to raise levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) in the blood.

HDL cholesterol protects the heart by removing “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) from the arteries.

Another theory is that the antioxidants in alcohol (known as polyphenols) help to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a key driver of atherosclerosis, and reducing inflammation could help prevent plaque build-up in the arteries.

What Counts as Moderate Drinking?

In order to reap the benefits of moderate drinking, it is important to know what counts as “moderate.” According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, moderate drinking is defined as:.

Up to one drink per day for women
Up to two drinks per day for men

It is important to note that this definition applies only to healthy adults. Individuals with certain medical conditions or on certain medications should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming any alcohol.

Excessive drinking, even in healthy adults, can lead to a wide range of health problems including liver disease, high blood pressure, and increased risk of cancer.

The Bottom Line

The benefits of moderate drinking on infarction and stroke cannot be overstated. While it is important to be aware of the risks of excessive drinking, it is equally important to recognize the potential benefits of moderate consumption.

Drinking in moderation can help protect your heart and brain, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.