When it comes to stroke, having a drink of alcohol is even better than no alcohol at all. Here is an affirmation which has something to leap forward. Yet this is the discovery made by American researchers. The results published in the journal Stroke of the American Heart Association show that drinking a glass of alcohol per day would reduce the risk of stroke.
Researchers at Boston University Medical Center analyzed the results of the Nurses’ Health Study, a study in which more than 83,000 women participated. These volunteers who did not suffer from any cardiovascular disease or cancer were followed over a long period from 1980 to 2006.
38g of alcohol per day, the yellow line not to be crossed
Researchers have found that women who drink one drink of alcohol a day are 17-21% less likely to have a stroke than those who don’t drink a drop of alcohol.
However, moderate alcohol consumption per day is said to be beneficial in preventing the risk of stroke provided that it does not exceed 15 g of alcohol per day. The effect would become counterproductive from 38 grams of alcohol. 38 g or two alcoholic drinks daily. Once this threshold is crossed, the risk of having a stroke increases, the researchers conclude.
Alcohol: the long-term dangers
While this study extols the merits of moderate alcohol consumption, the health risks of a person cannot be overlooked. regular and excessive alcohol consumption on the long term. Beyond 3 drinks per day on average for men, and more than 2 drinks per day on average for women, we are more exposed to cancers, cardiovascular and digestive diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver. Excess alcohol can also cause diseases of the nervous system,anxiety and an depression.
Alcohol: an increased risk of breast cancer
Another downside, moderate alcohol consumption may be interesting to reduce the risk of stroke, but it would be harmful for women on another level. A recent American study published by The Journal of the American Medical Association warned about risks of drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, on the appearance of breast cancer. Three to six glasses of wine a week increases the risk of getting breast cancer by 15%, according to the study. Two glasses of alcohol a day would be 51% more risk.
