Is A Glass of Wine Unsafe or Just Not a Health Food?

Is wine simply not a health food anymore, or is it actually bad for you? Ever since a recent Lancet study, was published, the media has been making its own interpretations of what it said.

While some headlines would have you think it’s never good for you – it’s simply not a health food. Others would have you believe you’re poisoning yourself if you have even one sip. What’s the truth of the matter?

Why Alcohol is Not a Health Food

For several years, the commonly held belief was that a small amount of occasional alcohol had health benefits. This new research has certainly underscored that it is not a health food at all. However, According to the Lancet study, “The safest level of drinking is none.” It’s easy to see why some headlines suggest that even one glass of wine is dangerous.

The purpose of the study was to estimate the relationship between alcohol use and the burden of disease related to that use in 195 countries. They examined the results of over 700 studies from around the globe. In total, the research involved data from millions of people. The outcome was that oft quoted statement about how alcohol is not a health food in any quantity.

The Health Drawbacks of Alcohol

It’s always been clear that excessive drinking can increase the risk of many dangerous conditions. It can promote liver disease, high blood pressure, memory and mental health problems, and injury. That said, the global health impact of smaller amounts of alcohol use was not yet known. In fact, in small, regular quantities, some saw it as a healthful habit. Still, it’s not a health food anymore.

Previous research has shown that drinking too much is the seventh largest risk factor for premature disease and death. However, this paper showed that previous beliefs that there were potential health benefits of drinking some alcohol were likely incorrect. The meta analysis showed that drinking alcohol in any amount, at any frequency was not safe.

Should You Stop Drinking?

Not only did this study show that it is not a health food and zero drinks are the recommended amount, the authors of the research went on to speak definitively when only correlational results were achieved.

While the data shown was very convincing and the researchers could be right – alcohol is not a health food and the best amount is none – there may still be more to it than that. Definitive proof isn’t here yet and while it may not be good for you, one glass on occasion is likely not life-threatening.

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