Still others have suggested the habit may protect against stroke and Alzheimer's disease. In the March 10th issue of The Lancet, German researchers report that moderate drinking has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps explain its link to better heart health. A team led by Dr. Armin Imhof of the University of Ulm Medical Centre looked at drinking habits and heart health among 2,000 men and women aged 18 to 88. The investigators found that those who drank moderately showed signs of less inflammation in the body compared with both nondrinkers and heavy drinkers. Some research has linked CRP levels with heart disease risk.
Inflammation is part of the body's normal response to injury.
But inflammation can also damage tissue, and it is believed to play a role in illnesses ranging from heart disease to cancer. In the current study, Imhof's team found that moderate drinking was linked to fewer signs of inflammation even when health factors such as smoking, body mass and cholesterol levels were considered. Study participants who drank more heavily or not at all showed higher levels of inflammation. Despite the possible heart-healthy effects of alcohol, experts warn that people should not try to drink their way to a stronger heart. The American Heart Association's nutrition committee recently urged doctors to downplay the potential benefits of alcohol in favor of promoting exercise and diets rich in fruit and vegetables.