One drink or less equals healthy aging

That drink of wine at dinner may let you age with good health

Back in February, researcher reconfirmed that moderate consumption of alcohol was associated to a decrease risk of heart attack. Now, researchers have established that moderated consumption of alcohol for middle-aged women have a greater chance of remaining healthy as they age. Gracefully as defined by no heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illnesses. There also were no remarked cognitive declines or even physical limitations at age seventy or older.

Also, noted in the study around one fourth of the participants did not consume alcohol, 62% consumed one drink daily, ten percent had two drinks daily and three percent had consumed two or more daily.

In general, moderate alcohol consumption was associated to having greater chances of aging gracefully. By observing the amount and rate of drinking, women who had consumed one-third or one drink each day and spread out their alcohol consumption over three to seven days had a greater chance for aging gracefully in comparison to those who did not consume alcohol.

Dr. Qi Sun, M.D., studies lead author and nutrition researcher at Harvard, stated that the findings may not apply to men or non-Caucasian women, however, the do add to the mounting strong evidence that people who consume alcohol in moderation have less risk than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers to have health problems like heart disease or dementia.

Past research has demonstrated that moderate alcohol consumption can decrease inflammation, advocate healthy cholesterol levels, aide blood vessels to function properly and improve insulin resistance. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined by one drink daily for women and one for men.

This study is not suggesting that those who do not drink start taking up the habit. There are other health habits like getting exercise on regular basis and maintain body weight which are greater than alcohol consumption.

Dr. Sun in closing does remind women that even moderate alcohol consumption has been associated to a higher risk for breast cancer. However, studies had suggested that the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption appear to outweigh the risks for an increase for breast cancer.

Dr. Sun believes there is sufficient evidence to state that consuming a small glass of wine each day is good for your health.

Some of the best exercises for aging for both men and women include cardio exercise, anything that will have your heart pumping. Balance and stability exercise which is vital as we age. This will increase your stability of balance and reduce your risks for falls when you’re older. Studies have demonstrated that Tai Chi can reduce the risk of falls by one-third to one half if you participate regularly.