The new guidelines define moderation as 'no more than one drink
per day for women and two drinks per day for men, based on differences
between the sexes in both weight and metabolism'. A drink is then
defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of
80% proof spirit.
The guidelines are cautious, accepting that drinking in moderation
may reduce the risk of CHD ' mainly among men over age 45 and
women over 55, but offers little 'if any health benefit' for younger
people. Following a catalogue of harms if Americans drink in excess,
the guidelines conclude 'If adults choose to drink alcoholic beverages,
they should consume them only in moderation and with meals to
slow alcohol absorption'.
Responding to the release of the new guidelines, the Wine Institute
(WI) confirmed its intention to provide $150,000 for the National
Stroke Association (NSA) to distribute copies of the updated policy
to 50,000 US physicians.
John de Luca, President of the WI comments' given our traditional
association with the Mediterranean Diet and the cultural heritage
of wine with meals, we identify very well with the Guidelines
opening remarks:' Eating is one of life's great pleasures...you
can enjoy all foods as part of a healthy diet as long as you don't
overdo on fat..sugars, salt and alcohol'.
