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If you drink
alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation
Alcoholic beverages
supply calories but few or no nutrients. The alcohol in these beverages has
effects that are harmful when consumed in excess. These effects of alcohol may
alter judgment and can lead to dependency and a great many other serious health
problems. Alcoholic beverages have been used to enhance the enjoyment of meals
by many societies throughout human history. If adults choose to drink alcoholic
beverages, they should consume them only in moderation.
Current evidence suggests that moderate
drinking is associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease in some
individuals. However, higher levels of alcohol intake raise the risk for high
blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, certain cancers, accidents, violence,
suicides, birth defects, and overall mortality (deaths). Too much alcohol may
cause cirrhosis of the liver, inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the
brain and heart. Heavy drinkers also are at risk of malnutrition because alcohol
contains calories that may substitute for those in more nutritious foods.
Who should not drink?
Some people should not drink alcoholic
beverages at all. These include:
- Children and adolescents.
- Individuals of any age who cannot
restrict their drinking to moderate levels. This is a special concern for
recovering alcoholics and people whose family members have alcohol
problems.
- Women who are trying to conceive or
who are pregnant. Major birth defects, including fetal alcohol syndrome,
have been attributed to heavy drinking by the mother while pregnant. While
there is no conclusive evidence that an occasional drink is harmful to the
fetus or to the pregnant woman, a safe level of alcohol intake during
pregnancy has not been established.
- Individuals who plan to drive or take
part in activities that require attention or skill. Most people retain
some alcohol in the blood up to 2-3 hours after a single drink.
- Individuals using prescription and
over-the-counter medications. Alcohol may alter the effectiveness or
toxicity of medicines. Also, some medications may increase blood alcohol
levels or increase the adverse effect of alcohol on the brain.
ADVICE FOR TODAY
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in
moderation, with meals, and when consumption does not put you or others at risk.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Path:
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and Nutrition Information>If
you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation
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