By Julia Heck
Drinking can save our lives? Recent studies across Europe and the U.S. tie drinking alcohol to maintaining a healthy heart.
In a recent BBC article Ellen Masson, a cardiac nurse at the British heart foundation said, “The combination of moderate drinking and physical activity appears to be a winning one in a reducing the risk of fatal heart disease.”
Research has suggested that alcohol consumption may be heart healthy because it may increase the levels of “good” cholesterol and thin the blood.
South Carolina researchers studied the results of 7,500 people after four years. They found that new (people who did not previously drink), moderate drinkers were 38% less likely to develop heart disease.
A European Heart Journal Study followed a group of 12,000 people for almost 20 years, 1,242 of whom died from Ischaemic heart disease (IHO). They found that people who did not exercise or drink had 49% higher chance than those who did one or both. Moderate drinkers who exercised at a similar level were 30% less likely to develop heart disease than non-drinkers.
An anonymous McDaniel student who partakes in the partying scene said, “I’ve heard about this before but there’s always the key word: moderation. Also, the studies probably only hold true to wine, when I take a couple shots of vodka, is that going to help my heart?”
The studies showed that those who drank wine were at a lower risk. And yes, these benefits come with moderation. The researchers consider 14 units of alcohol per week as moderate. A unit of alcohol is defined as half a pint of normal strength beer. A medium-sized glass of wine is two units.
Freshman Cassidy Bryson, said, “Alcohol in moderation is no big deal. It’s evidently healthy to have a little bit every now and then, and it’s only when you abuse alcohol that it becomes an issue.”
Dr. Dana King, leader of the South Carolina study, said, “When we say seven drinks a week, we mean one a day not seven drinks on a Saturday night.” Some people may misinterpret these studies.
Freshman Rory Anderson, said, “Knowing your limits and being able to stay in control is really important. Having a glass of wine with dinner most nights helps you relax and fight cardiovascular disease, but binge drinking Friday and Saturday nights is just hurting your liver and brain.”
To a partier’s dismay, this study unfortunately does not endorse binge drinking or any drinking in excess. However, the more sophisticated individual who enjoys a drink with dinner could actually be drinking to a longer, healthier life.