Alcohol has a good side

Although often considered to be the cause of many health problems and addiction, alcohol appears to have a good side. LIVESTRONG summarizes some of the benefits of alcohol consumption for health.

Protects the heart
Red wine has long been known as a panacea for heart health. According to research from the Harvard School of Public Health, drinking red wine may cut risk of heart disease by 40 percent.

Benefits to both alcohol for heart health caused by alcohol beverage ability to raise good cholesterol (HDL), lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduce the problems that can cause blockage of blood vessels.

Scrape the fat
Alcohol can help reduce abdominal fat. A study in 2010, published in The Archives of Internal Medicine found that women who drank one or two drinks per day had lower weight gain.

Doctors Lu Wang, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston believes is due to rise in body temperature caused by alcohol consumption requires calories to create heat. In addition, women who drink alcohol tend to eat less, especially carbohydrates. Women also tend to expend more energy after drinking alcohol.

Reduce diabetes
According to a 2005 study published in Diabetes Care, people who drink alcohol in moderation as much as two drinks a day may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30 percent.

Researchers believe by eating small amounts of alcohol can improve insulin sensitivity.

Brain health
Consuming a glass to two glasses of wine or beer per day may reduce the progression of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by 23 percent.

The researchers concluded that consumption of alcohol can increase good cholesterol, which can increase blood flow to the brain. Alcohol also can strengthen brain cells and prepare it to cope with enormous pressure later in life that can cause dementia.

Gallstone
Gallstones are usually composed of cholesterol which has hardened and can cause pain or cramping in the abdomen. Research shows that consuming alcohol in the portion being able to reduce the risk of gallstones.

According to British researchers, alcohol works by reducing cholesterol in the bile. This is the major source of cholesterol gallstone formation.