A single beer a day can do a lot of harm.
Drinking even a single alcoholic beverage daily can significantly diminish life expectancy, according to Tim Stockwell, a scientist from the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research.
Stockwell informed The Daily Mail that consuming one drink daily could reduce life expectancy by approximately two-and-a-half months. Moreover, indulging in five drinks per day may curtail it by about two years, while having just two drinks weekly might trim it by as much as six days. He emphasized that despite alcohol being a widely enjoyed recreational substance, its consumption poses substantial health risks, contradicting the notion that moderate drinking could be beneficial.
The detrimental effects of alcohol extend to various organs such as the brain, liver, and heart, as well as the nervous system. It also contributes to conditions like heart disease and elevated blood pressure.
Addressing studies suggesting health benefits for drinkers compared to non-drinkers, Stockwell argued that such conclusions often overlook the fact that many non-drinkers surveyed were former drinkers who quit due to health issues. He clarified, “Abstainers are often older individuals who stopped drinking because of poor health. Being able to drink is an indicator of good health, not a cause of it.” He cautioned against misinterpreting such studies to imply that alcohol consumption is advantageous.
In recent years, medical experts have increasingly challenged the idea that regular alcohol consumption can be healthy. For instance, in July 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the final report of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, recommending that men limit their alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, down from previous guidelines advocating for up to two drinks daily.
The report’s executive summary emphasized the need to focus on reducing alcohol consumption among those who drink, particularly in ways that heighten health risks. It underscored that current evidence does not support relaxing alcohol consumption guidelines and suggests tightening them to ensure healthier habits among both men and women who choose to drink alcohol.
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