Alcohol has no health benefits

Question

New research found that more than 100 previous studies on alcohol consumption and health were flawed. - Videos from The Weather Channel | weather.com

Are there zero health benefits to drinking alcohol in any amount?

Comments

I think this can be true and false. Multiple studies have shown that beer has many more calories than other types of liquor. If you want to drink without gaining the beer belly, stick to the clear liquors.

Answer 1

The relationship between alcohol consumption and health is complex. While some studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption might be associated with certain health benefits, particularly in relation to heart health, these findings have been challenged and are still debated among researchers. Some studies have found that moderate alcohol intake, particularly red wine, might be associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, due to the presence of antioxidants such as resveratrol and flavonoids. However, other research has cast doubt on these findings, suggesting that the observed benefits may be due to other factors, such as lifestyle choices or socioeconomic status, rather than alcohol consumption itself. It is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes, including liver disease, certain types of cancer, and neurological disorders. The risks associated with heavy alcohol use generally outweigh any potential benefits from moderate consumption.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551#:~:text=Moderate%20alcohol%20consumption%20may%20provide%20some%20health%20benefits%2C,flow%29%203%20Possibly%20reducing%20your%20risk%20of%20diabetes

Answer 2

The claim of "alcohol has no health benefits" seems to be overall leaning towards being a FALSE claim according to reliable scholarly sources. However...the claim is then restated as a question that reads "are there zero health benefits to drinking alcohol in any amount". These are two different claims. The claim I will be focused on answering is the initial one that claims 'alcohol has no health benefits'. 

The source titled 'The Health Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Consumption: A Review of the Literature' by Cynthia Baum-Baicker makes three claims about how alcohol can have health benefits. 

"Alcoholic beverages are food, containing approx. 7 calories per gram of ethanol. Beer contains small percentages of the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and significant proportions of the recommended daily allowance of trace metals and minerals. Wine, while possessing significantly smaller amounts of vitamins and minerals than beer, has considerably more iron. Both beer and wine have a favorable potassium to sodium ratio." (Baum-Baicker). 

"Coronary heart disease (CHD) seems to have a negative association with regular alcoholic beverage use" (Baum-Baicker). 

"Dry non-sweet wines and diluted distilled spirits have been recommended in the treatment of diabetes" (Baum-Baicker). 

According to yet another source, 'Beyond Ischemic Heart Disease: Are There Other Health Benefits From Drinking Alcohol?', this reliable source also mentions how moderate alcohol consumption may have health benefits as well. 

"The weight of evidence suggests that low-level alcohol consumption offers some protection against ischemic stroke. The evidence that moderate alcohol consumption protects against diabetes and gallstones is also fairly strong" (Ashley). 

According to yet another source 'To Your Health: Re-examining the Health Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Use', "although excessive alcohol use and alcohol misuse contribute to a broad range of health problems, recent research indicates that moderate alcohol consumption may in fact be beneficial" (Sayed). 

With all research in mind, the claim 'alcohol has no health benefits' is FALSE, as there are benefits found to be tied especially with moderate alcohol consumption. On the other hand, the question of 'are there zero health benefits to drinking alcohol in any amount' is slightly a different question as the any amount part is crucial to consider. While there are health benefits when drinking in moderate amounts, the health benefits diminish if one abuses alcohol or drinks much more frequently than a moderate consumer. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, there are minor health benefits that come along with drinking an appropriate amount of alcohol. 

Works Cited/Sources: 

Ashley, Mary V., et al. “Beyond Ischemic Heart Disease: Are There Other Health Benefits From Drinking Alcohol?” Contemporary Drug Problems, vol. 27, no. 4, SAGE Publishing, Dec. 2000, pp. 735–77. https://doi.org/10.1177/009145090002700403.

Baum-Baicker, Cynthia. “The Health Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Consumption: A Review of the Literature.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, vol. 15, no. 3, Elsevier BV, June 1985, pp. 207–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/0376-8716(85)90001-8.

Sayed, Bisma Ali, and Michael T. French. “To Your Health!: Re-examining the Health Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Use.” Social Science & Medicine, vol. 167, Elsevier BV, Oct. 2016, pp. 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.08.034.

Answer 3

Certain types of alcohol can actually have health benefits when drinking responsibly. Like with most things there are good and bad sides to it. According to an article by Healthline, ethanol found in alcohol can have powerful effects on your state of mind.

"While alcohol intoxication is only temporary, chronic alcohol abuse can impair brain function permanently. However, moderate drinking may have benefits for brain health — especially among older adults....While moderate alcohol consumption may reduce your risk of heart disease, heavy drinking may increase it"

While alcohol can have health benefits it also has potential damage that should not be ignored.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alcohol-good-or-bad#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4

Answer 4

according to NPR no amount of alcohol is safe. A new global study published in The Lancet rejects the idea that any amount of alcohol consumption can be considered healthy. The study, which analyzed the effects of alcohol use on health in 195 countries from 1990 to 2016, concluded that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. This contradicts previous scientific studies that suggested moderate drinking, especially of red wine, could be beneficial for heart health.

Answer 5

I think that saying that alcohol completely has no health benefits is false, though there is no denying that it does have negative effects on health. According to WebMD, “ If you're in good shape, moderate drinking makes you 25% to 40% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or hardened arteries.” Though it does also mention that if you drink to much it can boost your risk of heart disease. It also stated, “ Regular moderate drinkers are less likely to get kidney stones -- 41% less likely for those who drink beer, 33% for wine drinkers. Part of the reason may be that alcohol, like caffeine in coffee and tea, makes you pee more often. That helps clear out the tiny crystals that form stones.”

Answer 6

It's long been a claim that alcohol, especially wine, in moderation, has a few health benefits, but recent studies have shown this to be untrue. In fact, all alcohol, even in moderation has negative affects on the body. The World Health Organization cites the fact that alcohol is a carcinogen which can cause several illness's in the body.

"Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago – this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco. Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including the most common cancer types, such as bowel cancer and female breast cancer. Ethanol (alcohol) causes cancer through biological mechanisms as the compound breaks down in the body, which means that any beverage containing alcohol, regardless of its price and quality, poses a risk of developing cancer."

Studies have even gone as far as to show that the smallest amounts of alcohol, even one drop, may still have negative side affects on the body.

To identify a “safe” level of alcohol consumption, valid scientific evidence would need to demonstrate that at and below a certain level, there is no risk of illness or injury associated with alcohol consumption. The new WHO statement clarifies: currently available evidence cannot indicate the existence of a threshold at which the carcinogenic effects of alcohol “switch on” and start to manifest in the human body.

https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health

Answer 7

According to WebMD, alcohol can be beneficial in small amounts. Drinking excess is unhealthy and can cause serious health risks. However, with moderation, alcohol can have benefits. One of the most interesting points in the article is that alcohol can be heart healthy. WebMD says, "If you're in good shape, moderate drinking makes you 25% to 40% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or hardened arteries. This may be in part because small amounts of alcohol can raise your HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels." 

Surprising Ways Alcohol May Be Good for You (webmd.com)

Answer 8

While alcohol consumption has been associated with certain health benefits, it is essential to recognize that these benefits are relatively small and may not apply to everyone. Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake may reduce the risk of heart disease and ischemic stroke. However, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and drawbacks of alcohol consumption as well, especially heavy drinking or binge drinking, which can lead to various health problems and increase the risk of certain cancers, liver disease, and other serious conditions. Therefore, it would be misleading to claim that there are no health benefits of alcohol, but it is equally misleading to ignore or downplay the potential risks associated with its consumption. Moderation and individual considerations are key when assessing the impact of alcohol on one's health.

 

The article discusses the risks and potential health benefits of alcohol consumption. It acknowledges that the evidence for moderate alcohol use in healthy adults is not certain and researchers have limited knowledge about its effects. The definition of moderate alcohol use is provided, which generally means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Some potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption are mentioned, including a reduced risk of heart disease and ischemic stroke. However, it is emphasized that the benefits are relatively small and not applicable to everyone. The article also highlights the risks associated with heavy alcohol use, such as certain cancers and liver disease. It advises against alcohol use in specific situations, such as during pregnancy or if there is a history of alcoholism. The decision about alcohol consumption should be made carefully, and individuals are encouraged to consult with their doctors to determine what is best for their health and safety.

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551#:~:text=Moderate%20alcohol%20consumption%20may%20provide,reducing%20your%20risk%20of%20diabetes

 

 

Answer 9

While some studies have suggested potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, it's important to note that the overall consensus among health experts leans towards the conclusion that alcohol has no net health benefits. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to various health issues, and the risks often outweigh any potential benefits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that "there is no safe level of alcohol use," and they caution against using health claims to justify alcohol consumption. For more information, you can refer to the CDC's website on alcohol and public health: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm.

Answer 10

I believe this claim is false. According to Medical News Today, red wine, when consumed in moderation, has been linked to several potential health benefits due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating properties. These are largely attributed to a natural antioxidant found in the skin of grapes called resveratrol. Here are some of the main areas where red wine may have beneficial effects:

1. Cardiovascular Health: Some studies have found a positive link between moderate red wine consumption and heart health, suggesting it could lower the risk of coronary heart disease.

2. Gut Health: Red wine and grape polyphenols might improve gut microbiota, contributing to a healthy gut.

3. Type 2 Diabetes: Some research has shown that moderate red wine consumption could decrease cardiometabolic risk in people with type 2 diabetes.

4. Blood Pressure: Compounds in red wine, such as resveratrol and procyanidins, might help to reduce blood pressure and increase good cholesterol levels (HDL).

5. Brain Damage after Stroke: There is some evidence suggesting that resveratrol may help protect against secondary brain damage after a stroke.

6. Vision Loss: Resveratrol may also help prevent vision loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

7. Cancer: While drinking red wine in moderation could reduce the risk of certain cancers, excessive consumption can increase the risk of others. So, the relationship between red wine and cancer risk is complex.

8. Dementia: A 2018 report found a lower risk of dementia in moderate wine drinkers, possibly due to the neuroprotective effects of wine's compounds.

9. Depression: Resveratrol may help reduce symptoms of depression by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.

10. Liver Disease: Some research links moderate red wine consumption to good liver health, particularly in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

11. Longevity: Moderate red wine consumption might increase the expression of longevity-related genes and improve metabolic health.

Despite these potential benefits, it's important to note that the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, such as liver disease, heart problems, certain cancers, and mental health conditions, may outweigh the potential benefits. For most people, moderate consumption means up to one glass of wine per day for females and up to two glasses for males.

In addition, many of the health benefits associated with red wine could also be gained from eating antioxidant-rich foods like grapes and berries, which may be a healthier option overall. So, while enjoying a glass or two of red wine may be part of a healthy lifestyle for some, it's not necessary for everyone, and excessive drinking should be avoided.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265635#benefits

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6099584/