Cheers to Your Heart?

You’ve probably heard conflicting advice about alcohol and heart health. Some say a glass of wine is good for your heart, while others warn of the dangers of drinking. So, what’s the deal? The truth is that moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to increased levels of HDL cholesterol—often called “good” cholesterol—which helps remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. But before you raise your glass in celebration, let’s break down what this really means.

What Is HDL Cholesterol and Why Does It Matter?

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol acts like a cleanup crew in your arteries, carrying excess cholesterol to the liver, where it’s processed and eliminated. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and hardened arteries. So, anything that naturally raises HDL levels is usually considered a good thing.

How Does Alcohol Play a Role?

Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake may help increase HDL levels, which could, in turn, support heart health. This might explain why moderate drinkers tend to have a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to those who abstain completely or drink heavily.

What Counts as Moderate Drinking?

  • For women: Up to one drink per day
  • For men: Up to two drinks per day

A “drink” is typically defined as:

  • 12 oz of beer (around 5% alcohol)
  • 5 oz of wine (about 12% alcohol)
  • 1.5 oz of distilled spirits (40% alcohol)

The Catch: More Isn’t Better

While moderate alcohol consumption might have some heart benefits, drinking too much can have the opposite effect. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Increased triglyceride levels
  • Weight gain
  • Liver disease
  • Increased risk of certain cancers

Because of these risks, health experts (including the Mayo Clinic) do not recommend that non-drinkers start drinking just to boost their HDL levels. There are safer ways to achieve the same benefits, such as exercising regularly, eating a heart-healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The Bottom Line

If you already enjoy the occasional drink, moderate consumption might give your heart health a small boost by increasing HDL cholesterol levels. But if you don’t drink, don’t start just for this reason—there are plenty of other ways to keep your heart happy without the potential risks of alcohol.

So, if you’re raising a glass, do it responsibly and enjoy the moment—your heart will thank you!