Alcohol's
Health Impact Varies Widely
Although studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption could
provide health benefits, researchers from the National Institute
on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) conclude that those benefits
vary widely depending on a person's age, sex, genes and other factors,
USA Today reported Sept. 26.
"Whereas alcoholic drinks may be standardized, drinkers are
not," the researchers concluded in a study released this summer.
For example, NIAAA researchers said that while a drink or two of
wine a day may benefit a 65-year-old man with high cholesterol,
it may offer no value to a 22-year-old.
The study acknowledged alcohol's benefits in reducing cardiovascular
disease. According to the research, if all current drinkers stopped
consuming alcohol, there would be 80,000 additional deaths a year
in the United States.
However, Lorraine Gunzerath, one of the study's authors, questioned
whether alcohol is the contributing factor, or whether moderate
drinkers are generally more health-conscious, while non-drinkers
are poorer and eat fewer vegetables.
In addition, Gunzerath said that drinking patterns are just as
important as total consumption. While drinking small amounts of
alcohol every day extends the benefits, bingeing poses a number
of risks.
The research team concluded that people should consult with their
doctors to determine whether drinking would be beneficial for them.
|
