How does alcohol consumption reduce coronary heart disease risk?
The development of coronary heart disease is characterized by high plasma concentrations of cholesterol in the arteries (atherosclerosis), vascular inflammation, and clot formation (see Russell Ross, “Atherosclerosis–An Inflammatory Disease,” The New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 340, No. 2 (January 14, 1999), pp. 115-126). Studies have consistently demonstrated that moderate daily alcohol (ethanol, beer, wine, or spirits) intake (up to 100 g. of alcohol/day) significantly increases high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol levels (see Eric B. Rimm, Paige Williams, Kerry Fosher, Michael Criqui, and Meir J. Stampfer, “Moderate alcohol intake and lower risk of coronary heart disease: meta-analysis of effects on lipids and haemostatic factors,” BMJ Vol. 319 (December 11, 1999), pp. 1,523-1,528). Since one of the functions of HDL is to transport cholesterol from tissues, including arterial walls, back to the liver for elimination or recycling, it is concluded that higher levels of HD
