Moderate alcohol consumption: effects on lipids and cardiovascular diseaserisk

Light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, as well as ischaemic stroke and possibly type 2 dia betes. Epidemiological and physiological data are in favour of a causal rel ationship. Proposed protective mechanisms include the stimulation of HDL-me diated processes such as reverse cholesterol transport and antioxidative ef fects. More well-controlled studies are needed to provide a complete unders tanding of the complexity of the underlying physiological mechanisms. Curr Opin Lipidol 12:19-23, (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.