Large Study Shows Drinking Alcohol Is Good For Your Cholesterol Levels

Researchers at Harvard University conducted a study involving nearly 58,000 adults in Japan, tracking their medical records for up to a year. The study found that when people started drinking, their "bad" cholesterol (LDL) decreased, and their "good" cholesterol (HDL) increased. The increase in HDL was even more significant than what is typically seen with medication. Conversely, when drinkers stopped drinking, their LDL increased, and their HDL decreased. The changes in cholesterol levels were directly related to the changes in drinking habits. Those who started drinking more saw greater improvements in their lipid levels, while those who quit drinking saw greater negative changes. Specifically, the study found that people who started drinking one to one-and-a-half drinks per day saw a 0.85 mg/dL drop in LDL and a 0.58 mg/dL increase in HDL. Those who started drinking three or more drinks per day saw a 7.44 mg/dL drop in LDL and a 6.12 mg/dL increase in HDL. Conversely, those who quit drinking saw corresponding increases in LDL and decreases in HDL. The study's findings were published in JAMA Network Open.