Final answer:
Moderate alcohol consumption may help to raise good HDL-cholesterol, which transports excess cholesterol to the liver for metabolization, thereby helping to clear it from the bloodstream and potentially reducing heart disease risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
In moderation, alcohol may indeed help to raise HDL-cholesterol, which is a true statement. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as 'good cholesterol' because it aids in transporting excess cholesterol to the liver, where it can be metabolized. Consequently, HDLs play a crucial role in removing cholesterol from the blood and artery walls, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. While higher HDL levels are generally considered beneficial, it's important to note that recent research has cast some doubt on its role in preventing cardiovascular disease. Moreover, lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications to include more omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats, as well as increasing physical activity, can have a positive impact on lowering total cholesterol and improving the LDL/HDL ratio. It is also important to limit the intake of saturated fats and eliminate trans fats, which have been shown to increase LDL levels and decrease HDL levels.