Chapter 3, Problem 1CT

Moderate alcohol use has been credited with providing possible health benefits. Construct an argument for why moderate alcohol use to provide protection from heart disease or other health problems may not be a good idea.

Summary Introduction

To explain:

Why moderate alcohol use to provide protection from heart disease or other health problems may not be a good idea?

Given:

The consumption of moderate amount of alcohol provides health benefits.

Introduction:

It is evident that alcohol can be regarded as a poison as well as a tonic. The major difference lies in the dose. It is assumed that moderate consumption of alcohol is beneficial for the circulatory system and the heart, and it also protects against type 2 diabetes and gallstones and various other health problems.

Explanation of Solution

The consumption of moderate alcohol helps in increasing the good cholesterol or the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). This is useful as it helps in protection against the formation of plaques on blood vessel walls. The moderate alcohol intake has a positive effect on markers of inflammation, different types of blood clotting problems, deregulation or upregulation of insulin levels, and others.

On the other hand, it is also possible that binge drinking or moderate drinking may increase the risk of heart attack, sudden death, or stroke or any other chronic failure.

Conclusion

Hence, it is worthy to conclude that moderate drinking may protect against various health problems, but can trigger other health aspects simultaneously slowly and gradually.