But a new paper in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research suggests that — for reasons that aren't entirely clear — abstaining from alcohol does tend to increase one's risk of dying, even when you exclude former problem drinkers. The most shocking part? Abstainers' mortality rates are higher than those of heavy drinkers.
Moderate drinking, which is defined as one to three drinks per day, is associated with the lowest mortality rates in alcohol studies. Moderate alcohol use (especially when the beverage of choice is red wine) is thought to improve heart health, circulation and sociability, which can be important because people who are isolated don't have as many family members and friends who can notice and help treat health problems.
The report acknowledges that there may other factors involved, such as previous health issues of non-drinkers, socioeconomic class, and physical activity. However, over a twenty year period, even accounting for those variables, the report states, "mortality rates were highest for those who were not current drinkers, regardless of whether they used to be alcoholics, second highest for heavy drinkers and lowest for moderate drinkers."
Or maybe happy people simply live longer.
See "Why Do Heavy Drinkers Outlive Nondrinkers?" for the complete story.
I'm curious though, Welches grape juice also contains the same Resviritol molecule that is contained red wine. But if you've never looked at the label of the grape juice bottle you'd think that the only way to get those benefits is by drinking an alcoholic beverage, namely red wine which many Christians have an objection to.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a study paid for by other than wine producers.
Let me rephrase that last statement. I assume that these studies are paid for by wine producers due to the fact that I never see the studies include grape juice as an alternative.
DeleteAh, but wine is so much more fun than grape juice.
DeleteI imagine the guests at the wedding feast in Canna would have been disappointed if those barrels of water had been turned to grape juice. :-)
heh yeah could be, David, but when Canna is brought up I just refer them to Habakkuk 2:15&16 and then remind them that Jesus came to fulfill ALL the law and prophets in Matthew 5:17-19. :-)
Deletehave fun, buddy.