Alcohol Consumption and Health

Much evidence suggests that a moderate alcohol consumption lowers the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and of several other health disorders. The lowest risk of CHD is seen at an alcohol intake of under one drink per day (100 g/week) but possibly less. This is also true for cardiovascular disease in general. Higher levels of alcohol intake (more than four drinks per day) increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially stroke and heart failure. Alcohol also increases the risk for cancer and fetal alcohol syndrome. Alcohol leads to many social problems, such as violence and accidents. The common recommendation of limiting alcohol intake to one to two drinks per day may be a little too high. Based on recent findings, the healthiest level of drinking appears to be a maximum of one drink per day. This also corresponds to the longest life expectancy. Above that level life expectancy falls.