Does Alcohol Really Boost Longevity?
A new study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs warns that common misconceptions about the health benefits of alcohol can significantly impact the global disease burden and safety guidelines for alcohol consumption. Many observational studies have previously suggested that moderate drinkers live longer and face fewer health issues than non-drinkers. However, the new research proposes that these comparisons may be misleading.
It argues that these publicly held beliefs often stem from low-quality studies that can distort the perceived risks of low-volume, “moderate” drinking. The findings suggest that, after adjusting for key study characteristics, the perceived health benefits of light drinking for longevity diminish.
The research supports a growing movement focused on nonalcoholic lifestyles and highlights the need for stricter standards in studies examining the health effects of alcohol consumption, along with the subsequent public health messaging.
Excerpted from Medical News Today
