The Effects of Liquor on Cholesterol

Although drinking liquor excessively doesn't raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol--a component of overall cholesterol that sticks to walls of arteries and causes clotting), it does affect other components such as slightly raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol--a type of cholesterol that protects from heart disease) and triglycerides (fat).

While drinking a moderate amount of liquor can be beneficial, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), there is a lack of scientific proof that drinking liquor can substitute for things like maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, which are simple ways to positively affect your cholesterol level.

Boosting HDL Cholesterol

• According to MedTV, moderate alcohol intake can lead to increased levels of HDL cholesterol, a component of overall cholesterol that actually helps protect against heart disease and is found in conjunction with LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.

  Moderate intake means two drinks per day for men and one per day for women. One drink means: one 12-ounce beer, one five-ounce glass of wine or 1 1/2 ounces of 80-proof liquor. Drinking in moderation has been shown to lower your risk for heart disease by 25 and 40 percent, and HDL cholesterol can be raised close to 4 milligrams per deciliter with moderate liquor consumption.

  The AHA also says liquor may take part in preventing platelets from sticking together and blood clotting, which increases the risk for heart disease.

Raising Triglycerides

• While drinking liquor in moderation is OK, too much will lead to increase triglycerides, essentially fat that comes from food high in calories or carbohydrates and is also made in your body. Triglycerides are stored in your cells and used for energy. According to the AHA, people with high triglycerides usually have high cholesterol or are overweight, which can lead to heart disease. According to MedTV, some people's triglycerides increased by 6 percent with moderate liquor consumption, so those who have borderline-high or high triglyceride levels (150 milligrams per deciliter or higher) should avoid liquor. Limiting liquor and other healthy lifestyle options such as exercise and limiting saturated fat should be considered even if you are on cholesterol-lowering medication.

Other Effects and Warnings

• Although moderate liquor consumption can lead to increased levels of HDL cholesterol, drinking too heavily can lead to decreased liver and heart function and higher blood pressure. According to MedTV, you should always check to make sure it's OK to consume liquor if you're on medication for your cholesterol (or any medication). Drinking liquor can increase side effects like drowsiness and fatigue and also lead to a high calorie intake and poor food choices, which can cause obesity and diabetes and end up effecting your cholesterol in the long run.

  While there is research being done on the effects of liquor and alcohol on cholesterol, the AHA does not encourage drinking to reap these benefits. Many similar things, such as aspirin or increased physical activity, can decrease the risk of blood clotting and improve things like HDL levels.