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Drinking Alcohol Five Or More Times Per Month Could Reduce Heart Failure Risk, Study Suggests

Drinking Alcohol Five Times Per Month Could Benefit Heart Health
Natasha Hinde
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People who drink moderate amounts of alcohol five or more times per month could have a lower risk of heart failure in later life, a new study has suggested.

In a study of more than 60,000 people, scientists found that drinking alcohol - such as wine, spirits and beer - in moderation could be beneficial for heart health and boost "good cholesterol" in the body.

They did however note that alcohol can cause high blood pressure and suggested drinking "moderate amounts relatively often".

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The study followed 60,665 participants who enrolled in the HUNT study between 1995-1997. None of the participants had experienced an incidence of heart failure at the time.

By 2008, when the study ended, 1588 participants had developed heart failure.

The risk was highest for people who rarely or never drank alcohol, and for those who had an alcohol problem.

Participants who consumed alcohol five or more times per month had a 21% lower risk of developing heart failure than non-drinkers and those who drank rarely.

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Imre Janszky, a professor of social medicine at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), said: "It's primarily the alcohol that leads to more good cholesterol, among other things.

"But alcohol can also cause higher blood pressure. So it's best to drink moderate amounts relatively often."

He added: "I'm not encouraging people to drink alcohol all the time. We've only been studying the heart, and it's important to emphasise that a little alcohol every day can be healthy for the heart.

"But that doesn't mean it's necessary to drink alcohol every day to have a healthy heart."

The researchers said that not many of the study participants drank to excess, which meant it was difficult to determine whether high alcohol intake can protect against heart failure.

They added that the risk of a number of other diseases and social problems can increase as a result of higher alcohol consumption.

Great Foods For Heart Health
Oranges (01 of10)
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"Most people don't think of them at first, but oranges are great for your heart! The pectin helps neutralize a protein called galectin-3, which causes scarring in heart tissue. Make sure to eat the whole orange so that you get the pulp." --Celebrity Fitness Trainer Joel Harper (credit:Getty )
Chia Seeds(02 of10)
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"These tiny seeds are truly a heart-health powerhouse! They contain both omega-3s and filling fiber (5 grams per tablespoon). Fiber helps to lower cholesterol by acting like a magnet -- latching onto circulating cholesterol and escorting it out of your body. Simply add a spoonful of these nutrition sprinkles to your morning yogurt, mix into oatmeal, or blend into a smoothie to start your day off right."--Health and Nutrition Expert Joy Bauer (credit:Getty )
Popcorn(03 of10)
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“Movie theaters would have you believe that popcorn is just a nosh food, but the truth is, popcorn is a whole grain and is especially rich in polyphenols: plant antioxidants that promote a healthy heart. Another perk: Air-popped popcorn has about 30 calories per cup, so it’s an excellent way to cure a case of 'snackitis.’”--Samantha Cassetty (M.S., R.D.) nutrition director for the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and author of "7 Years Younger: The Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet" (credit:Getty )
Honey(04 of10)
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"While honey sometimes gets a bad rap in the sugar-busting movement, it’s actually nature's sweetener, and has has heart-health benefits. Studies show it can help lower cholesterol!" --Kirsten Helle, personal chef and nutrition consultant (credit:Getty )
Legumes (05 of10)
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“Legumes are great for your heart, because they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber and calcium. Kidney, black and chickpeas are my favorite.” --Celebrity Fitness Trainer Joel Harper (credit:Getty )
Pasture Raised Eggs(06 of10)
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“Egg yolks are rich in Vitamin K2, which is like a traffic cop ushering calcium to your bones -- instead of calcifying them and, thus, hardening your arterial walls.” -- Ali Shapiro, Certified Holistic Health Counselor (credit:Getty )
Sardines(07 of10)
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“Salmon often gets all the kudos for it’s heart health benefits, but sardines are the ultimate underdog. They are ridiculously rich in omega-3s, which not only significantly reduce blood levels of artery-clogging triglycerides, but they’re also potent anti-inflammatories.”--Nutrition Expert Joy Bauer (credit:Getty )
Dark Chocolate (08 of10)
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"Good news for chocolate lovers -- dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which have been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Of course, consume in moderation." --Dr. Nancy Snyderman (credit:Getty)
Avocados (09 of10)
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“Sure, they’re rich in fat, but the monounsaturated fats in avocados can help lower unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels.”--Samantha Cassetty (M.S., R.D.) nutrition director for the Good Housekeeping Research Institute and author of "7 Years Younger: The Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet" (credit:Getty )
Coffee(10 of10)
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"A moderate intake of coffee (up to 2 cups a day) has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of heart failure and increase vascular function." --Dr. Samantha Brody, Naturopathic Physician and founder of Portland's Evergreen Health Center (credit:Getty )

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