Everybody knows that drinking is dangerous for health, but does that stop people from drinking? While alcohol overuse can be bad for the health, studies show that drinking in moderation can have positive effects on one's health.
The good news for alcohol lovers is that, according to a recent report on The New York Times, moderate consumption of alcohol can be healthy. Though not completely risk-free, moderate consumption of alcohol has been found to have possible health benefits. Many studies have linked limited drinking to certain health benefits and decreased risk of death. Many researches have been conducted on how the consumption of alcohol affects health.
Based on studies in 1990 and 2004, results show that those who drank one to two drinks a day had lower risk of death due to coronary heart diseases, and those who do not drink, or those who drank more than two bottles a day had higher mortality rates. Studies also show an increase in the rate of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and a reduction in systolic blood pressure. But while moderate drinking is seen protecting the heart, it does not show a positive result against cancer.
For instance, a study in 2007 shows that increased alcohol consumption increased the risk of breast cancer in women.
Meanwhile, another health benefit of moderate drinking is that it reduces the rate of Diabetes, according to a 2004 systematic review. Well, based on the above facts, there is evidence that the benefits of moderate drinking outweighs the potential risks, and can help you to live longer.
So don't be guilty about having a bottle or two every day, but those who drink, keep it to moderate to reduce the risk of diseases and add a few years to your life.