The New York Times In the early 1990s, some prominent researchers promoted the idea that moderate drinking could extend your lifespan, and the media also spread this idea.
“The reason for the association is unclear, but researchers speculate that red wine may have anti-inflammatory properties that may improve longevity and protect cardiovascular health…”
But recently, a growing body of research has emerged that contradicts the idea that moderate drinking is healthy. Last year, a large meta-analysis reviewed 107 studies spanning 40 years and concluded: No matter how much alcohol you drink, your health will not improveIn 2022, a well-designed study found that even small amounts of alcohol can be risky for heart health. That same year, Nature magazine found that drinking just one or two drinks a day (and even fewer for women) can: Associated with brain shrinkage This is usually associated with aging…
[M]More people are now consuming cannabis on a daily basis than alcohol, and some governments are overhauling their messaging in response to the new research. Last year, Ireland became the first country to pass legislation making daily cannabis use mandatory. Cancer warning for all alcohol products Alcohol labels sold in Canada, similar to those found on cigarettes, state that “there is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancer.” The Canadian government also announced that it has revised its alcohol guidelines, stating that “even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful to your health.” The guidelines state that one to two drinks per week is “low risk,” while three to six drinks is “moderate risk.” (Previous guidelines recommended that women limit themselves to no more than two drinks per day, and men to three or less.)
