A new report uncovers the surprising effects of even moderate drinking on long-term health.
We’ve all heard the warnings about excessive drinking and how it can damage your heart, liver, and overall health. But what about having just one alcoholic drink every day? A new report sheds light on what happens to your body when you consume alcohol even in moderation.
The findings come from an 81-page report titled “Scientific Findings of the Alcohol Intake & Health Study for Public Comment”, which was authored by leading U.S. scientists and professors specializing in public health, mental health, and substance use. The report reveals some unsettling truths about the risks associated with drinking—even at low levels—when compared to abstaining completely.
A Link Between Alcohol and Over 20 Health Conditions
According to the study, drinking just one alcoholic beverage per week can increase the risk of more than 20 health conditions. These include infectious diseases, eight types of cancer, four cardiovascular issues like stroke and heart failure, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, diabetes, and epilepsy.
However, there are notable differences in how alcohol affects men and women, as well as some anomalies when it comes to daily drinking habits.
Cancer Risks: Even One Drink Can Have an Impact
For men, consuming just one drink a week was linked to a 16% increased risk of colon cancer and a 6% higher risk of esophageal cancer compared to non-drinkers.
For women, one drink per week raised the risk of pharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer by 5%, and breast cancer as well. The report noted that any amount of alcohol use begins to increase the risk of cancer, and women are particularly vulnerable.
“Increased risk for these cancers begins with any alcohol use and rises with higher levels of consumption,” the report states. “Women experience a much greater risk of alcohol-attributable cancers per drink consumed.”
Some Unexpected Benefits for Women and Low-Risk Drinkers
Interestingly, the study found that women who drank one alcoholic beverage per day had a slightly lower risk of developing diabetes. Additionally, people who consumed one drink per week showed no increased risk of heart disease and had a lower risk of developing diabetes compared to teetotalers.
Heart Health and Alcohol: The Old Theory Debunked
The idea that moderate drinking is good for your heart has been discredited by this new research. Men who drank two units of alcohol per day and women who consumed one drink daily had no significant difference in their risk of heart disease compared to those who didn’t drink at all.
However, for those who drank low to moderate amounts (no more than one drink per week), the study found a 10% lower risk of stroke. This risk reduction was slightly lower—8%—for those who consumed one drink per day or seven drinks per week.
Alcohol, Injury, and Mortality Risks
The report also highlighted the risks of injury and death associated with alcohol consumption. People who drink alcohol have an increased likelihood of experiencing intentional or unintentional injuries, such as car accidents.
The study revealed that drinking more than seven alcoholic beverages per week carries a 1 in 1,000 chance of dying from alcohol-related causes. This risk increases to 1 in 100 for those who consume more than nine drinks weekly.
Revising Alcohol Guidelines
This research is part of ongoing efforts to revise drinking and dietary guidelines in the United States. Currently, U.S. guidelines recommend that men limit themselves to no more than two drinks per day, while women should stick to one or less.
Kevin Shield, a senior scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO) and one of the report’s co-authors, emphasized the importance of moderation. Speaking to The Daily Mail, he said:
“It’s important to note that our report found that no level of alcohol consumption is completely risk-free. The analysis shows that among drinkers, the lower their alcohol consumption, the lower their risk of mortality. Conversely, as alcohol consumption increases, so does the risk of mortality. So when it comes to alcohol use, less is best for health.”
Final Takeaway
While many people enjoy a daily drink to unwind, this report makes it clear that even moderate drinking carries risks. From cancer to cardiovascular concerns, the message is consistent.