The Science of Drinking

Scientific research has clearly established that drinking in moderation has many health benefits, including maintaining a healthy heart. Yet, many people do not know that drinking red wine protects the heart more than white wine, while beer, margaritas, and hard liquor are less effective in providing such protection. And while alcoholism is a serious problem requiring medical and psychological treatment, for those who are not addicted, drinking alcohol is not necessarily a bad habit. The problem is to distinguish between drinking sensibly and drinking insensibly. Dasgupta clearly outlines what constitutes healthy drinking and its attendant health benefits, offers advice on how to drink responsibly, and provides insight into just how alcohol works on the brain and the body. After reading this book, readers will enjoy their next drink with a fuller and safer understanding of why they're enjoying it.

Amitava Dasgupta, PhD, DABCC, FACB, is professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston. He is also the director of the Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory of Memorial-Hermann Laboratory Services, and the medical director of Memorial-TIRR Hospital laboratory services. He has published over 185 papers, two books on drugs of abuse, one book on herbal medicine, and has edited three professional reference books. He is on the editorial board of five major medical journals and lectures both nationally and internationally on drug and alcohol testing and acts as an expert witness for the State of Texas for alcohol-and drug-related criminal prosecutions.