For men, having two drinks a day may be healthier than never drinking, according to a new study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
The study reviewed light or moderate drinking in men and women and concluded moderate drinking led to a lower risk of death, including from cardiovascular disease.
The study defined moderate drinking as two drinks a day for men and one for women.
Additionally, the study found little connection between moderate alcohol consumption and cancer. However, moderate drinking was connected to an increased risk for breast or colon cancer.
The study did confirm that heavy or binge drinking is never healthy and that having more than four drinks per day is detrimental.
The study, commissioned by Congress, is expected to inform the Health and Human Services’ alcohol guidelines. The results contradict the findings of the World Health Organization, which has advocated for abstinence.
