Moderate drinking reduces risk of osteoporosis

From local is lekker to hyper-localisation: Township consumer trends to watch this festive season

Mongezi Mtati

According to iAfrica.com, a daily glass of wine might be just as good as medication when protecting against fragile bones in older women, experts from an international review forum say. They noted that regularly enjoying a moderate glass of wine can help sustain bone strength in menopausal women while abstaining from alcohol can lead to an increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

One reviewer said that the results suggest an effect of moderate alcohol consumption similar to the effects of Bisphosphonate - a drug many postmenopausal women take in order to combat thin and brittle bones caused by osteoporosis, also known as the "silent disease" because there are no indicators or noticeable symptoms until a victim suffers a bone fracture after a seemingly harmless fall or small incident.

iAfrica.com reports that a recent study from Oregan University tracked 40 healthy postmenopausal women, all around the age of 56. The study found that when the postmenopausal women were drinking about two small glasses of wine daily there was a notable decline in loss of bone mass. Experts warned, however, that overindulging in alcohol - as heavy drinking can contribute to thinning bones.

Read the full article on http://lifestyle.iafrica.com.