It appears that consuming alcohol regularly, while adhering to specific guidelines, might actually be beneficial for your health and could even contribute to a longer lifespan.
While Bryan Johnson is experimenting with the most advanced medical procedures in an attempt to ‘biohack’ his age, inhabitants of ‘Blue Zones’ follow a very different lifestyle that seems to promote healthier and longer living.
Blue Zones are regions around the world where people are more likely to reach the age of 100 or beyond.
These areas currently include Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Ikaria in Greece, and Loma Linda in California.
Besides the ‘Blue Zone’ diet, explorer Dan Buettner has identified a common practice in all five Blue Zones, which he believes contributes to their health and longevity, and it involves a specific ‘wine rule’.
Buettner shared with The Mirror: “People in all Blue Zones (except Adventists) drink alcohol moderately and regularly.”
It’s important to emphasize the word ‘moderately’ here, and while that might not be surprising, the subsequent point may be.
Buettner further explained: “Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers. The trick is to drink one to two glasses per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine), with friends and/or with food. And no, you can’t save up all week and have 14 drinks on Saturday.”
But how does consuming alcohol daily, even in moderation, contribute to better health and potentially extend life expectancy?
According to Healthline, ‘light to moderate drinking’ is linked to ‘a reduced risk of heart disease,’ as well as ‘reduced weight gain’ and a lower risk of dementia.
Moderate consumption of alcohol may also ‘raise “good” HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream,’ ‘lower your blood concentration of fibrinogen – a substance that contributes to blood clots, ‘cut the risk of diabetes – another major risk factor for heart disease’ and ‘reduce stress and anxiety temporarily’.
Red wine, in particular, can be beneficial in moderation. Medical News Today notes that it has ‘antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating effects’ and can positively impact heart and gut health, while potentially reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, certain cancers, and dementia, as well as lowering blood pressure.
However, what happens if you do not monitor your alcohol consumption and it becomes excessive?
Excessive intake could lead to increased risks of diabetes, cancer, chronic diseases, memory loss, and ‘social problems’.
Healthline states: “Moderate drinking is defined as at most one standard drink per day for women and at most two for men, while heavy drinking is defined as more than three drinks per day for women and four for men.”
Dr Gareth Nye, a Senior Lecturer at Chester Medical School, advised The Mirror: “Spreading your consumption over the week and including several alcohol-free days can help keep your intake within healthy limits.”
He also emphasized: “No one should be drinking alcohol for health benefits, moderation is always key. Ideally as little alcohol as possible is best for health but if you feel your alcohol intake has increased over time or you feel like you are relying on alcohol then you should ideally seek help for this.”
If you are dealing with addiction and wish to speak to someone confidentially, you can call American Addiction Centers at (888) 324-0595, available 24/7, or contact them through their website.