Moderate Use Of Alcohol

A number of epidemiologic studies have suggested that the risk of heart disease is somewhat lower among people who regularly drink small amounts of alcohol, such as a glass of wine a day, than among teetotalers. Likewise, higher levels of high-density-Iipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol have been reported among light drinkers than among nondrinkers. The overwhelming evidence, however, indicates that excess alcohol is harmful to the cardiovascular system. In all of the studies showing a lower than average risk among light drinkers, the highest risk was shown to be among heavy drinkers. Excess alcohol has been proved to damage the heart-and other organs, including the liver, stomach, and brain.

The links between light drinking and cardiovascular protection should certainly not be used as an excuse for drinkers to consume additional alcohol; nor should nondrinkers start drinking in order to protect their hearts. On the other hand, for those who drink, a modest alcohol intake can be an acceptable means of stress modification. (See box, “Alcohol Content By the Drink.”) A single cocktail or a glass of wine or beer at the end of a long day may be quite relaxing and beneficial. It should not be harmful unless there is a family history of alcoholism or a demonstrated sensitivity to small amounts of alcohol.

Alcohol, in its pure, undiluted form, is too strong for the mouth and stomach. The type of alcohol in alcoholic drinks is ethyl alcohol.

Alcohol content is expressed in percentages by volume. Thus, the amount of liquid is not the determining factor. At a bar or party, the size of the glass in which a certain type of drink is usually served determines the amount of alcohol a person can expect to ingest. For instance, although there is a much smaller proportion of alcohol in beer than in a cocktail, beer is usually served in a mug many times the size of a cocktail glass. Below are approximations of the amounts of alcohol found in various kinds of drinks.

Beer

Most beers contain about 5 percent alcohol by volume. Malt liquors may contain up to 8 or 9 percent.

Wine

A typical table wine contains about 10 to 13 percent alcohol by volume. A wine’s taste and bouquet are not indicators of alcohol content. A light, fragrant wine may contain a higher percentage of alcohol than a full-bodied wine. (Wine such as sherry or vermouth is fortified; extra alcohol is added when it is produced. It sometimes contains up to 20 percent alcohol by volume.)

Cocktails

Hard liquors including brandy, gin, vodka, and whiskey and most liqueurs contain 40 to 50 percent alcohol by volume. The proof is a measure of alcohol concentration. In the United States, proof is equal to two times the alcohol content. Thus, liquor that is 80, proof contains 40 percent alcohol by volume.

Approximate equivalents determined by the size of the conventional drink glasses:

A 12-ounce mug of beer

=

a 4-to 5-ounce glass of wine

=

a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof liquor