10 Steps to Heart Health

By Philip A. Ades, M.D., EatingWell Editors, EatingWell for a Healthy Heart Cookbook (2008)

You can change your fate by simply eating well.

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Step #10: Enjoy alcohol in moderation.

Scientific literature indicates that people who drink moderately are less likely to have heart disease than those who abstain. Alcohol appears to raise “good” HDL cholesterol. Wine, in particular, “thins” the blood (making it less prone to clotting) and also contains antioxidants that prevent your arteries from taking up LDL cholesterol, a process that can lead to plaque buildup. Remember, 1 drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor.