It is widely believed that light or moderate alcohol consumption can actually make us healthier – a recent study has debunked these myths and dropped the truth bomb that this is not the case. In fact, alcohol consumption in any amount is unhealthy for the body. In one large study, light or moderate alcohol consumption was defined as average alcohol consumption of up to 20 grams per day for men and up to 10 grams per day for women. However, even light alcohol consumption is responsible for an increased risk of cancer in older adults.

How much alcohol is healthy?

The study was conducted for 12 years with a population of 135,103 adults aged 60 and over. Dr. Rosario Ortolá, assistant professor of preventive medicine and public health at the Autonomous University of Madrid and lead author of the study, explained that the study found no positive association between mortality and low drinking habits. She added that alcohol is responsible for the increased risk of cancer from the first drop.

ALSO READ: ‘Socially accepted poison’: Doctor says no amount of alcohol is really harmless to the liver

US dietary guidelines on alcohol consumption

Current U.S. dietary guidelines say drinking less is healthier than drinking more. This comes at a time when deaths from excessive drinking have increased by 30 percent in the United States.

A year ago, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction issued a guideline stating that no alcohol consumption in any amount is healthy. The World Health Organization also stated that no alcohol consumption in any amount is ever healthy, but added that most alcohol-related harm comes from excessive, occasional drinking.

ALSO READ: Alcohol can permanently damage your brain: 7 ways to stop

The study found that older adults with low alcohol consumption were at a higher risk of death. The study also added that moderate and low alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of death from cancer and other causes – it also states that heavy alcohol consumption is also responsible for an increased risk of death from all causes, especially cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.