There are lots of various researches devoted to the influence of alcohol upon human health. The priority in the field belongs by right to Russia. As far back as 1903, the Russian physiologist N. Volovich conducted a unique experiment over the problem of alcohol effecting the human pulse rate. The latter was taken throughout the whole day after the alcohol intake. The experiment led to the following results: 20 grams of pure alcohol didn’t cause any evident changes; 30 grams led to a more rapid pulse rate than usual – it was increased by 430 beats; 60 grams increased the pulse rate by 1872 beats; 120 grams – by 12980 beats; 180 grams – by 18432 beats; 240 grams – by 23904 beats; and one more dose of 240 grams of alcohol taken the next day increased the pulse rate by 25480. The data presented in the research makes it possible to draw the following valuable conclusion: no negative changes occur in the human organism after the intake of 20 grams of pure alcohol (i.e. 50 grams of vodka). Thus, the amount of spirit taken during the day is normal, if not prophylactically necessary (e.g. damp weather, etc.). 30 grams of spirit (i.e. 75 grams of vodka) is within the normal limits. The dose of more than 250 grams of vodka is considered very injurious to health, since it increases the human pulse rate by 10-12 thousand beats (or by 8-10 palpitations per minute). 30 grams of vodka are quite enough to add a zest to rich meat and spicy fish dishes. The normal dose of vodka is about 100-500 grams per month. It is well known that small portions of alcohol (of its best kinds) improve functioning of the human heart. Thus, alcohol taken regularly in reasonable doses dissolves thrombi in blood vessels. 30 grams of vodka per day can become the most effective medicine for people susceptible to thrombosis. Cardiologists point out that the dose of 30 grams of vodka taken 4 or 5 times a week is enough to dissolve thrombi at a reasonable pace. It appears that people who refuse to drink spirits find themselves in more danger and there is nothing for it, but to look for other more expensive methods of improving health. But spirit, taken in large doses, gradually leads to the rise of blood pressure, which in due course adversely effects the heart. People, abusing alcohol (400 grams per week), have more chances for getting cerebral thrombosis. According to the findings of English scientists, men drinking alcohol in reasonable doses, i.e. 100-150 grams per week endanger themselves less than teetotalers. So, how does alcohol influence the human organism? It begins taking effect right after the absorption into blood. Comparatively small dose of it - coming into contact with the mucous membrane of stomach - arouses a slight feeling of burning. At this time, gastric juice is intensively separated, and blood vessels, in contact with alcohol, become filled with blood (it is so called ‘hyperaemia’). Alcohol, taken in large portions, causes strong irritation and inflammation of stomach. The substantial part of the consumed liquor (90-95 %) is burned out, while the rest is educed by the lungs (smell coming from the mouth) and the liver. Alcohol burning is a slow process. The content of spirit in the human organism, even after taking a small dose, remains unchanged for about 2 hours. Thus, doctors advise not to drink more than 75 grams of vodka at a time. This rule should be especially observed by women, whose enzymes in the mucous membrane of stomach are less active. On the whole, alcohol lessens the dissociation of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. But it can’t be considered as a food substance, since it is not assimilated by protoplasm, and, thus, is not a source of energy. In spite of its calorimetric equivalence to the organic compounds, alcohol is not of the same physiological importance – it even can’t serve as their substitute. Alcohol exerts its disadvantageous influence, too. The abuse of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, barrenness, impotence, and other diseases. Moreover, intoxication increases the risk of getting oneself into an accident. The death-rate among drunkards is four times higher than average. This data is worth considering when one decides to drink. It is wise to remember that danger lies not only in the state of intoxication itself, but also in the possible alcohol addiction. Therefore, it is advisable to drink fairly and only high-quality vodkas, such as “Sadko – the winner of international contests.