Moderate drinking was once believed to benefit heart health, but better research has debunked this idea. Dr Timothy Naimi, from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, emphasised, “Drinking less is a great way to be healthier.”Alcohol is linked to various cancers, including breast, liver, and mouth, as it breaks down into acetaldehyde, which damages cells and prevents repair, fostering conditions for cancer. According to Murthy, there are approximately 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths annually in the US.US guidelines recommend men limit drinking to two drinks daily and women to one. Naimi suggests following these guidelines could prevent thousands of deaths yearly. However, the belief that moderate drinking has health benefits has been challenged by studies showing such benefits often disappear when adjusting for factors like education and income.Studies have also highlighted that people who drink moderately tend to come from wealthier backgrounds with better access to healthcare. Further evidence, including genetic studies, disputes alcohol’s protective effects against heart disease.Globally, alcohol consumption guidelines are being revisited. The United Kingdom, France, and other countries have lowered their recommended limits. Ireland will soon require cancer warning labels on alcohol. According to the World Health Organization, overwhelming evidence links alcohol to over 200 health conditions, including cancers.As the evidence continues to mount, experts agree that less alcohol consumption is better for overall health, a message supported by both recent research and public health guidelines.
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