Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital in the US find that moderate alcohol consumption in women was beneficial to blood pressure and at high levels it was harmful.
A long-term UK-based study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a significant positive correlation between alcohol consumption and cognitive ability, probably due to alcohol's reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease, and increased blood flow to the brain. The effect was strongest among women.
The protective effect of alcohol consumption against coronary heart disease has been known for some time. An 11-year follow-up study of 10,000 UK civil servants emphasizes the significance of frequency of alcohol consumption, as opposed to the total weekly intake.
Researchers at Heidelberg University in Germany find evidence of alcohol's protective effect on coronary artery disease even after balloon angioplasty treatment.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that moderate alcohol consumption among women aged 70 to 81 was associated with better memory, and less deterioration of memory over time.
Review of 15 studies, published in the journal Diabetes Care, reports that consumption of up to four standard drinks per day reduced the overall risk of adult onset diabetes by as much as 30%.
Scientists at Australia's Monash University suggest that the antioxidants in copper-distilled brandy have a similar health benefit to those found in red wine.
A review of studies, conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, recommends moderate alcohol consumption for most people, based on the cardiovasular and other health benefits.
A large, long-term Danish study published in the British Medical Journal finds that both men and women who drink moderately experience a lower risk of heart disease. Only men, though, appear to further benefit from daily drinking.
A WebMD story reports on a study published in the journal Neuroepidemiology, which found that older women reporting at least one alcoholic drink per day tested higher in mental -- particularly verbal -- skills.
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