The belief that moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial for heart health has been a common question among doctors for many years.
In 1926, American biologist Raymond Pearl published a book based on patient case histories, suggesting a J-shaped curve relationship between alcohol consumption and survival rates.
The J-curve indicated that individuals who abstained from alcohol or drank heavily had lower survival rates, while those who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol lived longer.
Multiple studies supported the J-shaped curve and its conclusion that moderate alcohol consumption improved survival.
Scientists investigated the reason behind the supposed benefits of moderate alcohol consumption and found that it reduced the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and microvascular dysfunction.
A group of researchers concluded that the reduction in IHD was due to a decrease in damage to the tiny vessels that regulate blood flow into the heart muscles.
Another group of scientists reevaluated the J-curve studies and discovered that the health benefits of moderate alcohol use were associated with individuals having healthier lifestyles.
When individuals with healthier lifestyles were excluded, moderate alcohol use was found to be associated with a greater risk of heart disease, which increased with higher alcohol doses and longer durations.
Several studies confirmed that the association between low-to-moderate alcohol consumption and reduced heart disease risk was due to overall lifestyle changes.
Studies demonstrated that any amount of alcohol consumption increased the risk of various cancers and cancer-related death, particularly in women.
Alcohol consumption impairs brain function, memory, and reasoning, and weakens the immune system, making it susceptible to infections and diseases.
Physical activity has been shown to have similar mortality reduction benefits as moderate alcohol use, and increased physical activity further improves the chances of living longer.
It is important to reject the narrative that moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial for heart health and overall well-being, as research suggests it poses significant risks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health, and it is advised to say no to alcohol.
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