BODY WEIGHT
Alcohol is the second most calorie-rich nutrient after fat — packing about 7 calories per gram.
Beer has a similar number of calories as sugary soft drinks, ounce for ounce, whereas red wine has TWICE as much.
However, studies investigating the link between alcohol and weight have provided INCONSISTENT results.
It seems that drinking habits and preferences may play a role.
For example, light to moderate drinking is linked to REDUCED weight gain, whereas HEAVY drinking is linked to increased weight gain.
In fact — while drinking beer regularly may cause an increase in waist circumference — the well-known “beer belly” — wine consumption may have the opposite effect.
SUMMARY
The evidence on alcohol and weight gain is mixed. Heavy drinking and beer are linked to increased weight gain, while light to moderate drinking and wine are linked to reduced weight gain.
HEART HEALTH
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in modern society.
Light to moderate drinking is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, while heavy drinking appears to increase the risk.
There are several possible reasons for the beneficial effects of drinking moderately.
Moderate alcohol consumption may:
Raise “good” HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream (42Trusted Source).
Lower your blood concentration of fibrinogen, a substance that contributes to blood clots (43Trusted Source).
Cut the risk of diabetes, another major risk factor for heart disease (44Trusted Source).
Reduce stress and anxiety temporarily (41Trusted Source, 45Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
While moderate alcohol consumption may reduce your risk of heart disease, heavy drinking may increase it.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes affects about 8% of the world’s population (46Trusted Source).
Characterized by abnormally high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes is caused by a reduced uptake of glucose, or blood sugar, by your cells — a phenomenon known as insulin resistance.
Drinking alcohol in moderation appears to reduce insulin resistance, fighting the main symptoms of diabetes.
As a result, drinking alcohol with meals may cut the rise in blood sugar by 16–37% more than water. Blood sugar between meals — known as fasting blood glucose — may also decline.
In fact, your overall diabetes risk tends to drop with moderate alcohol consumption. However, when it comes to heavy drinking and binge drinking, your risk rises.
SUMMARY
Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce symptoms of type 2 diabetes by enhancing the uptake of blood sugar by your cells.
RISK OF DEATH
It may be hard to believe, but alcohol may help you live longer.
Studies suggest that light and MODERATE consumption of alcohol may cut the risk of premature death — especially in Western societies.
Simultaneously, alcohol abuse is the third main cause of preventable death in the US, as it’s a large factor in chronic diseases, accidents, traffic crashes and social problems.
SUMMARY
Moderate alcohol consumption may increase life expectancy, while alcohol abuse is a strong risk factor for premature death.
WHICH TYPE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE IS BEST?
Some alcoholic drinks may be better than others.
RED WINE appears to be particularly beneficial because it is very high in healthy antioxidants.
In fact, red wine may be linked to more health benefits than any other alcoholic beverage.
That said, consuming high amounts does not provide greater health benefits. Heavy drinking causes health problems — regardless of the type of beverage.
Source:
Alec's blog on health 
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