The scientific community is unequivocal: there is no safe amount of alcohol for the human body. Societies are issuing urgent calls to end the normalization of alcohol in the culture of many countries. Doctors agree that they do not recommend drinking to improve health and that the best option for the cardiovascular system remains abstaining from alcohol. Not a glass of wine, not even a sip—if people want a healthy body, the best thing is to avoid alcohol completely.
Alcohol also seriously affects minors, as experts say it interferes with their brain development
The fact is that many people underestimate the amount of alcohol they consume, especially when using large glasses, sharing bottles, or drinking higher-proof beers. Alcohol also seriously affects minors, as experts say it interferes with their brain development and predicts a higher risk of behavioral problems and poor academic performance.
The latest advisory from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy suggests that even small amounts of alcohol could be harmful and increase the risk of developing cancer. “Its mechanism of cell damage is well established. It causes oxidative stress and disrupts DNA repair, among other mechanisms that lead to cell cycle dysregulation and cancer formation,” experts say.
For consumption to be considered moderate, the reference point is one standard drink per person
It’s not just about the amount of alcohol consumed, but also how it’s consumed. For consumption to be considered moderate, the reference point is one standard drink per person, but it’s not just about counting units. It’s about understanding that alcohol is a substance the body must metabolize and that it has direct effects on blood pressure, the liver, the brain, and the heart. And obviously, excessive consumption will have more negative consequences.
Everything in moderation is acceptable for the body, but let’s not try to push the limits
It’s an interesting topic to discuss, especially during the final week of Oktoberfest, Germany’s quintessential beer festival, which has also spread to many other countries. While some studies indicate that certain components of beer, such as the natural antioxidants in hops, may have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, this is only considered possible with very moderate consumption, accompanied by a balanced diet and healthy habits. Just like wine, as mentioned above. Everything in moderation is acceptable for the body, but let’s not try to push the limits. The human body is a complex machine that does a million things at once; let’s try to take the best care of it we can.
Some experts argue that it would be difficult to find any benefits in alcohol consumption without considering the psychological consequences
According to The New York Times, studies showing that a small amount of alcohol a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease are being criticized. Some experts argue that it would be difficult to find any benefits in alcohol consumption without considering the psychological consequences, as many people report feeling depressed after excessive drinking. According to the Recal Clinic, the ideal intake for women is no more than seven units per week, and for men, no more than fourteen.
It’s important to keep all of this in mind, especially since nowadays most celebrations revolve around food and drink. For many, alcohol is a drug that has become ‘normalized’ in many settings, but it has proven consequences, and the consumption of these beverages is starting at increasingly younger ages among teenagers and pre-teens. Therefore, experts and doctors recommend leading as healthy a life as possible, one that prioritizes a balanced diet, physical activity, and avoiding stressful situations that can, in turn, lead to health problems.
