Healthy living
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The glass half full
A tipple now and then may help extend your life, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Researchers in Australia found that older women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol may enjoy a better quality of life and live longer than women who never or rarely drink.
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health followed nearly 12,000 women over a six-year period. They were assessed according to whether they drank a lot, occasionally or never.
The results showed that women who never or rarely drank alcohol were actually more likely to die during the six-year-period than those who enjoyed one or two drinks a day for 3-6 days a week. The women who drank least were also least likely to enjoy good health during the same period.
"The results of this study indicate that moderate alcohol intake in keeping with current guidelines may carry some health benefits for older women," says Dr. Julie Ellen Byles, author of the study.
She did, however, point out that the study does not recommend that non-drinkers take up the habit. Also, it is important to note that previous studies have suggested that moderate alcohol intake can be detrimental to older women and may lead to accidents, cancers, even dementia.
Alcohol consumed in moderation is also thought to be beneficial in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. In 1997, the World Health Organisation concluded that the reduced risk from coronary heart disease was found at the level of one drink consumed every second day. But a more recent study published in the Lancet last year suggests that any health benefits may have been overestimated. In fact, coronary protection may be outweighed by the other harmful effects.
Alcohol has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, such as the increased risk of mouth, pharyngeal and oesophageal cancers, smokers who drink are at the greatest risk. Alcohol consumption has also been linked to a greater risk of colorectal and breast cancer.
Drinking too much can also lead to high blood pressure, gastrointestinal complications, such as gastritis, ulcers, and liver disease. People who drink alcohol regularly may also have lower levels of certain minerals and vitamins in their bodies.
According to current Department of Health guidelines
Men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week (and no more than four units in any one day).
Women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (and no more than three units in any one day).
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.