Are You a Moderate Drinker? (The Truth About the Effects of Alcohol & Heart Disease) from Howard Elkin, MD
ALCOHOL & THE FRENCH PARADOX?
Is it really all it’s cracked up to be?
Let’s face it. Alcohol consumption is ingrained in Western culture, with 57% of American adults drinking on a regular basis. Since the term French Paradox was first introduced to American audiences on 60 Minutes back in 1991, we’ve been told that the French have a relatively low incidence of mortality from heart disease, despite their high saturated fat intake and cholesterol levels. The secret seems to be in the wine.
There have been a few explanations such as the flavonoid content in beer and wine which may inhibit oxidation of LDL (or “lousy” cholesterol). Then there is the proposed effect on platelets, rendering them less sticky and less likely to form blood clots.
But data in recent years have lowered the bar when it comes to touting the healthy benefits of moderate drinking. Therein lies one of the problems; just what is moderate drinking anyway?
For a lively discussion on both pros and cons of alcohol consumption, heart health, and health in general, please join me on YouTube Live this Thursday August 19 at 7:00 pm PST.
Simply click onto and subscribe to my channel: The Medical Advocate, Howard Elkin, MD