The big a-ha for this round of studies is that test subjects that did moderate exercise and drank 1-6 alcoholic drinks per week had a 50% lower risk of heart disease, whereas those who just exercised had a 30% decrease. Both exercise and alcohol affect the heart in the same way by helping increase HDL (the good cholesterol) and clean the circulatory system's pipes.
I love the studies that say alcohol and caffeine are good. Time to get your drink on! ;-)
SD
Would love to get behind your enthusiasm for alcohol but no matter what it does for your heart, it also contributes to about 80% of the violent crime in the US. Not to mention the thousands of families that are devastated by its abuse every year. From where I sit, doesn't look like there's much to celebrate with alcohol but plenty to be wary of. God knows, I've yet to meet the person that was a better or smarter person because they drank. We can all probably agree that we've known countless individuals who would be infinitely better off without it.
ReplyDeletein response to anonymous:
ReplyDeleteI believe (and I think you would agree) moderation is key here.
Thanks, Dave. I was about to say the same thing. Dr. Gupta also notes that any history of alcoholism in the family means don't drink.
ReplyDeleteAlso one other point he made - alcohol use didn't do much for preventing heart disease until you were the age that heart disease became a risk (45+).
SD
ok. ok. since there are obvious health benefits I must comply.
ReplyDeletehaha, I would hope this teetotaler can get HDL from sources other than alcohol!
ReplyDeleteScott,
ReplyDeleteRemember Dr. Guptas advice when you hit Browns Bar sometime late on a hot June night and the Harriers offer you a beer.
See you on Saturday.
Cheers, Paul
Have you ever tried to run and drink at the same time? It's kinda fun. I mean, when you're participating in a Poker Run, it's only natural to have a few shots of tequila.
ReplyDeleteI like Paul's suggestion. I say go for it at Brown's Bar!
AMEN Brotha!
ReplyDeleteGood to know that I have been doing one thing right all along. Enjoy reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteI knew I was on to something!
ReplyDeletedown down...
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that Dr. Gupta follows this himself. He's also a runner! Wouldn't have believed it until I saw the article on him in Runner's World (I'm A Runner) in the back.
ReplyDelete