How Much Alcohol Is Okay To Drink, And Is There A Specific Amount Of Alcohol That Might Be Beneficial To A Man's Health

Dr. Donald Hensrud answers the question: 'How Much Alcohol Is Okay to Drink?'

ByABC News
December 22, 2008, 3:55 PM

July 1, 2009— -- Question: How much alcohol is okay to drink, and is there a specific amount of alcohol that might be beneficial to a man's health?

Answer: In general, moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with reduced risk of dying, mainly from a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Guidelines say that men can consume up to two drinks of alcohol per day; however, I don't think it's a good idea to consume alcohol everyday. It can turn into a habit, and sometimes habits can turn into problems. In addition, no one intends to have a problem with alcohol; that can develop over time. If someone doesn't drink alcohol, there are no guidelines to take up drinking, but for people who do drink alcohol, moderate consumption may lead to a reduced risk of dying, particularly from heart disease.