The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Heart Association make recommendations on acceptable alcohol intake. The USDA and the AHA recommend no more than one standard drink per day for women and two standard drinks per day for men. Although consuming alcohol may have some health benefits, consuming more than the recommendation isn't advised.
Standard Drink
A standard drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits. A man should consume no more than two standard drinks per day and a woman should consume no more than one standard drink per day.
Health Benefits of Alcohol
There have been many studies on the health benefits of red wine and alcohol. Red wine has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Alcohol has been associated with a moderate increase in HDL cholesterol -- the "good" cholesterol -- and reducing blood clot formation. Thus, red wine may reduce the risk for stroke or heart attack. Alcohol in moderation has also been shown to help a person maintain his cognitive function into old age.
These health benefits are seen with a moderate intake of alcohol, or no more than one standard drink per day for women and no more than two standard drinks per day for men.
The Dangers of Excessive Drinking
The USDA defines heavy drinking as drinking more than three drinks per day or more than seven drinks per week for a woman and more than four drinks per day or more than 14 drinks per week for a man. Binge drinking is defined as drinking in a two-hour period more than four drinks for a woman and more than five drinks for a man.
Heavy drinking or binge drinking may increase your risk for alcoholism or alcohol dependence, accidents, injury or violence, stroke, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. Medical experts caution against heavy drinking. If you drink, it is advised that you drink only in moderation.
When Drinking Isn't Advised
Drinking isn't advised for all people. People who should abstain from alcohol include women who are pregnant or may become pregnant; those under the legal drinking age, which in the United States is 21; people who have problems abstaining from alcohol; those who plan to drive a vehicle or operate machinery; those on prescription medications which interact with alcohol; and those who have a medical condition which alcohol may negatively affect.
