Alcohol's Effect on HDL
Alcohol use affects cholesterol--both HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the body. HDL is high-density lipoprotein, the good cholesterol that takes excess cholesterol from our blood and prevents it from sticking to the insides of our arteries. Moderate amounts of alcohol that contain resveratrol and found in plants as a phytoalexin (common in wines made of grapes, cranberries and raspberries) can increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body, reducing the chance of arterial blockage, strokes and heart attacks.
Alcohol's Effect on LDL
Low density cholesterol (LDL) leaves fatty deposits on the arteries, much like the buildup of gunk on plumbing. High LDL levels can lead to blocked arteries, strokes and heart attack. Overindulging in alcohol may have negating and detrimental affects on HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the body. Excessive use of alcohol also raises the blood level of the blood fats called triglycerides, which contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain and obesity, as well as the development of some types of cancers.
Recommendations
The amount of alcohol that can affect blood levels of cholesterol is not high. The American Heart Association recommends no more than one or two servings of alcohol daily for men and one for women. What is a serving? It is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1 1/2 ounces of hard liquor. In addition, you should limit your daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams and avoid consuming trans fats.
