It’s widely believed that boozing in moderation shouldn’t do much harm. Previously, studies have shown that enjoying a glass of wine or two can be good for your health.
But sadly, new health guidelines have shown the affect that one tipple can have on your body. So is going teetotal the best way forward?
A study published in the Lancet medical journal claimed that any alcohol benefits are outweighed by harms. It found that one bevvy a day can increase your risk of alcohol-related problems by 0.5%.This figure dramatically increases for every extra drink you consume.
Two tipples sees your risk rise to 7%, while it soars to 37% for those who down five a day.
Experts believe that boozing cuts life expectancy, as it can lead to stroke, liver disease and damage to the nervous system.
Dr Max Griswold, of the University of Washington, said: “The risks rise rapidly as people drink more.”
“In particular, the strong association between alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer, injuries, infectious diseases offset the protective effects for heart disease in women in our study.
“Although the health risks associated with alcohol starts off being small with one drink a day, they then rise rapidly as people drink more.
“Policies focusing on alcohol consumption to the lowest levels will be important to improve health.”
Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, also commented on the report.
She said: “If you choose to drink alcohol, then it is really important that you do so responsibly.
“This study is a stark reminder of the real, and potentially lethal, dangers that too much alcohol can have on our health and even the lowest levels increase our risks.
“GPs are not killjoys, but maximum drinking limits are set with good reason. It is important patients know what they are and try to stick to them.
“It’s easy for a couple of glasses of wine at home a few times a week, for example, to surpass them recommended allowance of 14 units a week without someone even realising, because they are not always measured out in standard sizes.”