I am fascinated by the risks and benefits of alcohol, especial for women as they age. Did you include this review as relevant? Fillmore, K. M., Kerr, W. C., Stockwell, T., Chikritzhs, T., & Bostrom, A. (2006). Moderate alcohol use and reduced mortality risk: Systematic error in prospective studies. Addiction Research & Theory, 14(2), 101–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/16066350500497983. Where they conclude the "cardioprotective" effect of moderate alcohol use seems to have been overstated by flawed research design. I would love to get your take.
I think there is a lot of politics in this area and experts who are for or against alcohol. Many newer studies do control for the the fact that never-drinkers are different from ex-heavy-drinkers and sick-quiters. We also know people tend to under-report alcohol use in these studies, another factor that makes analyzing these studies tough. This is why we need better randomized control studies, and there's one going right now with wine and the Mediterranean diet that should give us answers. Here's an article that does a good job of explaining the science and nuance of alcohol research https://daily.sevenfifty.com/what-the-headlines-get-wrong-about-alcohol-and-health/
A great overbiew! Since I live in the Mediterranean, the M diet is really a part of my lifestyle, and I love red wine. Recently, I've been trying out whiskey as a digestive, since it also has great benefits. So I would say - be moderate and test what works for you.
I would say yes, definitely. Mostly wine and local spirits. My parents, for example, drink rakija as an aperitif or a cure-all almost every day, and during summer white wine and beer are favourites. I prefer red wine, and on the plus side, it has polyphenols good for your heart.
Thank you for doing this research for us. I’ve recently started avoiding my beloved Cabernet on the occasional weeknight and Old Fashioned on weekend nights because it just messes with my sleep. It’s no longer worth the negative effect. I’m grateful for the recent surge of popularity for non-alcoholic drinks and have been on the hunt for quality low-sugar options.
I used to prefer red wine, but have switched to white and sparkling white wine. I enjoy a small glass or two with dinner. I think it is important to finish eating and drinking 3 hours before sleep. Sleep is now a big priority for me. I don't drink every day, but enjoy it when I do. I can have a beer instead. Hard liquor doesn't appeal at all.
I am fascinated by the risks and benefits of alcohol, especial for women as they age. Did you include this review as relevant? Fillmore, K. M., Kerr, W. C., Stockwell, T., Chikritzhs, T., & Bostrom, A. (2006). Moderate alcohol use and reduced mortality risk: Systematic error in prospective studies. Addiction Research & Theory, 14(2), 101–132. https://doi.org/10.1080/16066350500497983. Where they conclude the "cardioprotective" effect of moderate alcohol use seems to have been overstated by flawed research design. I would love to get your take.
I think there is a lot of politics in this area and experts who are for or against alcohol. Many newer studies do control for the the fact that never-drinkers are different from ex-heavy-drinkers and sick-quiters. We also know people tend to under-report alcohol use in these studies, another factor that makes analyzing these studies tough. This is why we need better randomized control studies, and there's one going right now with wine and the Mediterranean diet that should give us answers. Here's an article that does a good job of explaining the science and nuance of alcohol research https://daily.sevenfifty.com/what-the-headlines-get-wrong-about-alcohol-and-health/
A great overbiew! Since I live in the Mediterranean, the M diet is really a part of my lifestyle, and I love red wine. Recently, I've been trying out whiskey as a digestive, since it also has great benefits. So I would say - be moderate and test what works for you.
Thanks for sharing Gabi. I'm curious. Do you find most people in the Mediterranean drink moderately?
I would say yes, definitely. Mostly wine and local spirits. My parents, for example, drink rakija as an aperitif or a cure-all almost every day, and during summer white wine and beer are favourites. I prefer red wine, and on the plus side, it has polyphenols good for your heart.
Thanks! I had rakija on our summer trip to Greece and Serbia.
Did you like it? :)
I gave up alcohol a year ago, best decision I could have made at the age of 44.
Glad to hear!
Thank you for doing this research for us. I’ve recently started avoiding my beloved Cabernet on the occasional weeknight and Old Fashioned on weekend nights because it just messes with my sleep. It’s no longer worth the negative effect. I’m grateful for the recent surge of popularity for non-alcoholic drinks and have been on the hunt for quality low-sugar options.
I totally get that. We like to have herbal tea (no caffeine) as a treat during the week.
I used to prefer red wine, but have switched to white and sparkling white wine. I enjoy a small glass or two with dinner. I think it is important to finish eating and drinking 3 hours before sleep. Sleep is now a big priority for me. I don't drink every day, but enjoy it when I do. I can have a beer instead. Hard liquor doesn't appeal at all.
Same here. I do like red wine but have sparkling white wine or beer more often.