Let’s break down the impact of alcohol on your health, and more specifically, how it connects to your cholesterol levels. It’s no surprise that heavy drinking comes with hefty consequences, including possible alcoholism, negative health effects, and strained relationships. Still, not everyone realizes that alcohol ingesting drinks as a frequent habit can mess with your cholesterol levels, putting extra stress on your heart.
Our bodies produce cholesterol, a lipid substance found in every animal cell, and we also get it from food. Now, it may seem like the bad guy here, but your body does need a certain amount of cholesterol to work properly, supporting functions like building cell membranes. However, not all cholesterol is created equal. You’ve got the LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol, responsible for plaque build-up in your arteries, potentially causing strokes or heart attacks. On the flip side, there’s HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol that we need for optimal health.
In terms of healthy cholesterol levels, you ideally want your total number to be below 200 mg/dL, says the National Institute of Health. Anything above 240 mg/dL is too high. As for the LDL, keep it below 100 mg/dL and, boost the HDL to over 60 mg/dL. You’re also aiming for low triglyceride levels to cite off heart disease.
So, how does alcohol come into play with cholesterol? While alcohol doesn’t naturally have any cholesterol, the type of alcohol and mixers you choose, how frequently you drink, and how much you consume can impact your heart health.
Take beer, for example. It’s cholesterol-free but packed with carbs that could raise your triglyceride levels. Same goes for liquors like gin, whiskey, vodka. They’re also free of cholesterol, but adding flavors leads to higher sugar content, potentially increasing your triglyceride levels.
Surprisingly, wines, especially red wine, might have a slight advantage because it contains a plant sterol called resveratrol, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. But before you start chugging down a bottle of Cabernet every night, it’s still unclear whether the long-term effects of wine consumption are genuinely heart-healthy, and more research needs to be done on this.
The amount and frequency of your drinking matter more than the type of booze you choose. According to the NIH, moderate drinking (about two drinks per day for men and one for women) may offer some heart benefits. However, overdo it, and you’re dealing with heightened triglyceride and cholesterol levels, posing risks to your heart.
As with anything, moderation is crucial, and these habits should always be discussed with your doctor. While drinking alcohol in controlled amounts might not cause harm, you definitely want to avoid getting sucked into alcoholism or substance abuse. Remember, your heart health is at stake here!
