Why scientific support for alcohol’s health benefits is fading
H umans have been drawn to the idea that alcohol may have health benefits for almost as long as they have been drinking it. In ancient China, rice wine was widely used for medicinal purposes, while Hippocrates, the ancient Greek “Father of Medicine”, advocated moderate amounts of alcohol for the mind, body and soul.
Later, proponents of the temperance movement, who urged 19th century workers to quit booze, were met with resistance by those who thought beer was necessary for good health.
Surprisingly, the theory has since received plenty of support from modern science. When looking at how the amount you drink relates to your risk of cardiovascular disease and death, studies have come up with a puzzling but consistent “J-shaped curve”, suggesting that drinking a small amount of alcohol is healthier than abstaining completely.
However, the idea has been contentious from the start and now, as research techniques become more sophisticated, a different picture is emerging; one that regular drinkers may not be happy to hear.
