Limit alcohol consumption for health benefits from "summary" of Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy by Walter Willett,P.J. Skerrett
Alcohol can be a part of our social lives and celebrations, but too much of it can harm our health. Moderate drinking may have some health benefits, but these benefits are not clear-cut or universal. The evidence is strongest for heart disease, where moderate drinking can lower risk. However, the benefits of alcohol come with risks. Too much alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure, liver disease, certain cancers, accidents, and injuries. Even moderate drinking can harm people with certain health conditions, like liver disease, pancreatitis, and certain cancers.
Gender plays a role in how alcohol affects health. Women generally have a lower tolerance for alcohol than men, so they are more likely to develop alcohol-related problems.
The definition of moderate drinking varies with the type of alcohol and the individual. For most people, moderate drinking means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
To get the health benefits from alcohol without the risks, it's important to know your limits. If you don't drink, there's no need to start. You can get the same health benefits from other lifestyle choices, like eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
In summary, while moderate drinking may have some health benefits, the risks of drinking too much outweigh the benefits. It's important to know your limits and make choices that will benefit your health in the long run.
