Around 58% of Americans drink alcohol at least occasionally — a new low over the past 30 years. A lot of that decline is attributed to increasing information on how harmful excess drinking can be to your health, even if you don’t contend with abuse. (It can harm your heart, liver, brain and skin, as well as your immune system, oral health and digestion.)
Nevertheless, there’s still a lot of confusion about what’s truly risky and what’s not … and you may wonder if there are instances when drinking might even be good for you. Well, a study presented at the American College of Cardiology 75th Annual Scientific Session offers some interesting answers to those questions.
Over the course of around 13 years, if you’re a heavy drinker of wine, cider or spirits (five standard servings a day), you up your risk for death from any cause by 24%, from cancer by 36% and from heart disease by 14%. And even a low intake of spirits, beer or cider ups the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 9%.
In contrast, drinking low or moderate amounts of wine actually lowers the risk of death significantly. Moderate wine drinkers reduce their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 21%.
So, with your doctor’s OK, enjoy an occasional glass of wine with friends. Social bonding is key to easing stress — the greatest ager — and sharing a glass of wine can provide that benefit. For more fun ways to improve your health, check out the free newsletter at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow,” and find out more at 4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at [email protected].
King Features Syndicate
Dining and Cooking