September 07, 2008
More Good News for Alcohol
Alcohol has protective properties new studies show.
Imbibing alcohol regularly may cut in half one's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to research presented at the annual European Congress of Rheumatology this week. The study showed drinking at least three units of alcohol a week had protective effects and 10 units brought more protection still.<br /><br />One unit is roughly equivalent to a glass of wine or a small beer. The resulst of former studies showed that alcohol may also have have a beneficial role in heart disease, stroke, some forms of cancer and perhaps Alzheimer's disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is distinct from the more common osteoarthritis, is a Imbibing alcohol regularly may cut in half one's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to research presented at the annual European Congress of Rheumatology this week. The study showed drinking at least three units of alcohol a week had protective effects and 10 units brought more protection still.
One unit is roughly equivalent to a glass of wine or a small beer. The resulst of former studies showed that alcohol may also have have a beneficial role in heart disease, stroke, some forms of cancer and perhaps Alzheimer's disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is distinct from the more common osteoarthritis, is a degenerative inflammatory disorder in which the body's own immune system attacks joint tissues, leading to swelling, tenderness and increasing disability. It affects more than 20 million people worldwide.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm said the research showed consuming three or more units was associated with a 50 percent drop in the risk in developing rheumatoid arthritis. It was enough to offset the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis caused by smoking or genetic factors, according to the analysis of 2,075 Swedes with and without the crippling joint disorder.
Although more work is needed to unravel the science behind the connection, the research points to the idea that it is likely that alcohol suppresses the immune system and damped down the inflammatory process behind the condition.
One unit is roughly equivalent to a glass of wine or a small beer. The resulst of former studies showed that alcohol may also have have a beneficial role in heart disease, stroke, some forms of cancer and perhaps Alzheimer's disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is distinct from the more common osteoarthritis, is a degenerative inflammatory disorder in which the body's own immune system attacks joint tissues, leading to swelling, tenderness and increasing disability. It affects more than 20 million people worldwide.
Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm said the research showed consuming three or more units was associated with a 50 percent drop in the risk in developing rheumatoid arthritis. It was enough to offset the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis caused by smoking or genetic factors, according to the analysis of 2,075 Swedes with and without the crippling joint disorder.
Although more work is needed to unravel the science behind the connection, the research points to the idea that it is likely that alcohol suppresses the immune system and damped down the inflammatory process behind the condition.
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