A new federal report released on Tuesday reveals that consuming even just one alcoholic drink a day can lead to a range of serious health issues. The findings, which apply to both men and women, highlight a higher risk of liver cirrhosis, various cancers, and injuries, despite a potential lower risk of ischemic stroke. However, this protective effect is negated by occasional binge drinking, according to experts.
The report, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, contradicts the common belief that moderate drinking is beneficial for health. “There’s no level of drinking that is completely free of risk,” said Keith Humphreys, a professor at Stanford University.
This new research builds on a previous report, which suggested that moderate drinking could reduce the risk of death from heart disease but also increase the risk of breast cancer. As the U.S. government updates its dietary guidelines, this report emphasizes the need for a reassessment of current alcohol consumption recommendations, which currently suggest up to one drink per day for women and two for men.
The alcohol industry criticized the findings, calling the process behind the report biased. However, the report’s authors stress the undeniable link between alcohol consumption and various types of cancer, prompting the U.S. Surgeon General to recommend cancer risk warning labels on alcoholic beverages.
As the report enters a 30-day public comment period, experts advise against drinking alcohol for health benefits. “If you’re not drinking, don’t start for health reasons,” said Dr. Jane Figueiredo, a cancer epidemiologist. The findings are set to influence the upcoming federal dietary guidelines, expected later this year.
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