Not only does alcohol help to ward off a heart attack, a regular daily drink is probably a good idea, researchers have found.

They have found that frequent consumption of alcohol is linked to a lower risk of heart attack in men.

However, experts have warned that alcohol can damage health in other ways.

The researchers, from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Harvard School of Public Health Study, tracked the drinking habits of nearly 40,000 men over a 12-year period.

They found that men who drank moderate amounts of alcohol three or more times a week were up to 35% less likely to have a heart attack than non-drinkers.

Researcher Dr Kenneth Mukamal said: "Even relatively modest amounts of alcohol may be protective if consumed frequently.

"Our results document that a pattern of regular consumption at least three to four days per week is associated with the lowest risk of heart attacks."

All types

The researchers examined the effect of drinking red and white wine, beer and spirits.

They found all appeared to cut the risk of heart attack.

Dr Mukamal said alcohol helped to raise levels of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) in the body.

However, it might also improve the way the body breaks down sugars in the blood, and reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to a heart attack.

He said: "It seems that alcohol's influence on platelets and clotting is relatively short-term.

"This could explain why frequent alcohol intake is of greatest benefit in helping to guard against coronary heart disease."

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-- Anonymous, January 09, 2003

Answers

Cheers to ya! :)

I just love my homemade wine.

-- Anonymous, January 09, 2003

Soon's I read that, Jerry Jeff Walker sashayed into my mind--what's that wine song he sings? Something about backslidin' wine, something like that? And of course it's followed by London Homesick Blues. Next will be Up Against the Wall. . .

-- Anonymous, January 09, 2003