Locations:
Search IconSearch

Does Alcohol Affect Cholesterol?

Spoiler alert: The potential benefits of drinking alcohol may be a tad overstated

wine and cholesterol the connection

Can you really toast to your health with a daily glass of red wine or a beer? Eye-grabbing headlines often make the claim that moderate alcohol consumption can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But before you pop the top on a bottle to celebrate, a word of caution: The relationship between alcohol and your ticker is not that simple, according to interventional cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD.

“Any statement on the benefits of drinking alcohol has a lot of ‘ifs’ next to it,” says Dr. Cho. “You certainly shouldn’t take up alcohol to lower your cholesterol risk.”

So grab a glass of … well, let’s go with water to be safe … and let’s talk this over.

Can alcohol affect a cholesterol test?

Absolutely. Here’s why.

Much of the alcohol that flows into your system after tipping back a glass finds its way to your liver for a digestive after-party. Alcohol is broken down in your liver and reconstructed as cholesterol and triglycerides.

The more you drink, the more your levels of cholesterol and triglycerides rise. As you might imagine, high levels of either type of this waxy fat are not exactly desirable for managing cholesterol or optimal health.

“People who drink a lot of alcohol tend to have very high triglycerides,” says Dr. Cho. “That can be a concern because elevated triglyceride levels can increase your risk for diabetes, pancreatitis and stroke.”

How much is too much?

Moderation is key when it comes to alcohol. Consider this advice from the National Institutes of Health (NIH): “Drinking less is better for health than drinking more.”

Advertisement

So where’s that line? The federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 advises that adults of legal drinking age should limit alcohol intake to two drinks or fewer in a day for men and one drink or fewer in a day for women.

This is not meant as a daily average or target, either. Instead, consider it more of a boundary on any given day when you might choose to have an alcoholic beverage.

It’s important to define what a “drink” means, too, as not all alcohol is the same. (Drink size can certainly vary, too, as anyone who has hoisted up a tall boy understands.) A standard alcoholic drink is typically defined as:

  • 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol).
  • 5 ounces of wine (about 12% alcohol).
  • 1.5 ounces of a distilled spirit (about 40% alcohol, or 80 proof).

Are there benefits to drinking alcohol?

Have there been studies showing the potential benefits of a glass of red wine or a hoppy brew? Yes, acknowledges Dr. Cho. But she cautions against thinking you’re boosting your health by tipping back an alcoholic beverage.

For instance, take the claims that alcohol may increase your “good” cholesterol, more officially known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

“There’s some data that says the good cholesterol that’s increased by alcohol is dysfunctional,” notes Dr. Cho. “So you may be raising your levels of HDL, but you may not be seeing a real benefit.”

So don’t be lured to a brewery or wine bar with claims that libations double as health tonics. Whatever “benefits” may exist from drinking alcohol are dwarfed by increased risks of:

Bottom line? “You’re not going to drink your way to better health,” says Dr. Cho.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Health Library
Cholesterol Levels

Related Articles

Glass cruet of apple cider vinegar with red apples around it on a table
May 20, 2025/Nutrition
What Apple Cider Vinegar Can (and Can’t) Do for You

ACV may help lower blood sugar and calm acid reflux, but don’t believe all the hype

Person sitting at a table in a bar, on their phone, with glass of beer on the table
February 3, 2025/Heart Health
Does Drinking Alcohol Increase Your Heart Rate?

Yes, grabbing a few beers or a couple of glasses of wine or cocktails with friends can increase your heart rate — dangerously in some cases

Glass of draft beer being poured at a pub
January 21, 2025/Cancer Care & Prevention
The Sobering Truth: How Alcohol Affects Cancer Risk

Alcohol (in any amount) is a well-known cause of cancer

A double row of shot glasses lined up on a bar
September 10, 2024/Urinary & Kidney Health
Is ‘Breaking the Seal’ a Real Thing When Drinking Alcohol?

Forget the myth and answer nature’s call when your bladder feels full

Group of happy, smiling friends raising a toast with glasses of beer
September 9, 2024/Weight Loss
Does Drinking Alcohol Prevent You From Losing Weight?

Alcohol provides empty calories, heightens cravings and may slow down your metabolism

Couple enjoying mixed drinks during the day in a bar
Here’s Why Day Drinking Feels Different

Drinking during the day can result in drinking more than usual and worsen your sleep cycle

blurred person looking out window in background with glass of wine and bottle in foreground
February 21, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Brain?

Even one drink can have an impact on your cognitive function leading to slurred speech, blurred vision and impaired memory

Glasses of alcohol on wooden stump outside in the snow, with bottle nearby
February 16, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Drinking Alcohol in the Cold? 5 Tips on How To Stay Safe

A cold one out in the cold can cause a false sense of warmth and increase your risk of hypothermia

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad