Posted on 03/21/2009 4:12:12 PM PDT by milestogo
Having a supportive social network enhances the health benefits of having a few drinks, new research from Japan suggests.
The study of Japanese men years found that moderate to light alcohol consumption, coupled with high levels of social support, were linked to lower rates of heart disease and stroke. “But remember,” Dr Hiroyasu Iso from Osaka University noted in a statement, “this beneficial effect of social support is confined to light-to-moderate drinking. Heavy drinking is risky irrespective of social support level.”
In a report in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, the researchers note that light to moderate drinking has been shown to help protect against stroke and heart disease. Being surrounded by lots of family and friends is also known to be good for the heart and may even help people live longer. The new study, Iso says, shows that high levels of social support may enhance the heart-healthy effects of light to moderate alcohol consumption.
Iso’s team examined drinking patterns, social support and cardiovascular health of 19,356 men in their 40s, 50s and 60s who were enrolled in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study. Their alcohol consumption was classified into seven categories: never, past, occasional, 1 to 149, 150 to 299, 300 to 449, or 450 or more grams of alcohol per week. During an average follow up of more than 9 years, 629 strokes and 207 coronary heart diseases were documented in the men. Confirming past studies, heavier drinking (i.e., 300 grams per week or more) was associated with an increased risk of stroke.
hammered to the gills transcends the social effect? got it.
(drink)
Husband: “Bye, honey, I’m going out to lower my chance of stroke and heart disease.”
Wife: “Oh, you’re going to the gym?”
Husband: “Sure, that’s close enough.”
how many calories per pushaway from the bar and trip to ‘loo are there?
Anyone up for a beer?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysXMAOgEIq4
” I drink with my good pals Jack Daniels and Jimmy Beam...”
My goodness, my guinness.
Anyone know how to translate the grams into drinks? How many beers would be 300 grams?
This obviously requires more study and research. For example, it might be helpful to have an added measure of additional friends to compensate for a higher level of drinking.
Sounds as if there could be a positive off-set.
Just sayin'
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.