Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)–If you’re in good health, 40 and over, know that consuming small amounts of alcohol may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes, according to research findings. new.
“These diseases are major causes of death in a large part of the world,” said lead researcher Emmanuela Jacquido, professor of health metrics sciences at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
“When you look at the cumulative health impact, especially among the elderly, you will find that a small amount of alcohol is better for you than no alcohol at all… and if you drink for other reasons, consumption will be harmful on all levels.”
The study did not find any protective effect against diseases such as tuberculosis, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, liver disease, epilepsy, pancreatitis, and many cancers.
And in The Lancet, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has released a first-ever report on the dangers of alcohol by global geographic region, age, gender, and year.
The analysis looked at 30 years of data for people aged 15 to 95 from 204 countries and territories.
This data was collected in the Institute’s Global Burden of Disease, Injury and Risk Factors Study, which tracks premature death and disability from more than 300 diseases.
The analysis estimated that 1.34 billion people around the world consumed harmful amounts of alcohol in 2020.
More than 59% of people who drank unsafe amounts of alcohol were between 15 and 39 years old.
In each geographic region, the study found that alcohol consumption had no health benefit in people under the age of 40, but rather increased the risk of motor vehicle accidents, suicide, homicide, and more.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women are particularly sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
He added that alcohol-related problems appear earlier in women and because they drink less compared to men.
It is reported that women are more susceptible to brain damage caused by alcohol and heart disease compared to men.
Studies show that women who drink one drink a day have a 5-9% increased risk of breast cancer compared to those who abstain from alcohol.
“The recommendation for under-40s not to drink is completely unrealistic,” Portman Group CEO Matt Lambert told CNN.
“It is not realistic to think that young people will stop drinking… However, we believe it is important to publish the latest findings so that everyone can make informed decisions about their health,” said Jacquido, senior author of the study.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explained that excessive alcohol consumption by older adults can be worrisome, especially since many of them “take medications that can interact with alcohol, have health conditions that may be exacerbated by alcohol, and may be at greater risk for alcohol-related falls and injuries.” other crossovers”.
More detailed and accurate analysis
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation last published its alcohol report four years ago, when it analyzed 2016 Global Burden of Disease data for people ages 15 to 49.
He did not find any amount of liquor, wine or beer safe for public health.
This new study is a more detailed and accurate analysis of 21 different regions of the world, Jaccidou said.
The message appears different, but is in fact consistent with what was said earlier.
He continued, “If you ask me: Will the message be different in the next 10 years? Perhaps… it is likely that new evidence will emerge and may change our conclusions.”