Myths About Alcohol: Is Drinking Actually Healthy for You?
For years, headlines suggested that a glass of red wine each night could protect your heart or that moderate drinking might help you live longer. But is there really any truth to the idea that alcohol is “healthy”? Let’s look at what the science says.
The Origins of the “Healthy Drinking” Myth
The belief that alcohol could be beneficial largely comes from studies in the 1990s and early 2000s. These suggested that moderate drinkers lived longer than people who completely abstained from alcohol. Red wine, in particular, was promoted for its resveratrol content, a plant compound with antioxidant properties.
But here’s the catch: more recent, higher-quality research has found serious flaws in these early findings. Many abstainers in the studies had quit drinking due to poor health, making it appear as if light drinkers were healthier. This created the so-called “abstainer bias.”
What the Evidence Really Shows
1. No Safe Level of Alcohol
Large-scale studies published in journals such as The Lancet conclude that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to overall health risk. Even light drinking increases the risk of certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer【PubMed: 30193045】.
2. Heart Health is More Complex
Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake can increase HDL (good cholesterol). However, the protective effect disappears when controlling for lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and income. In other words, it is not the alcohol but the overall lifestyle that matters most.
3. Brain and Mental Health Risks
Even low to moderate alcohol intake has been associated with reduced brain volume, poorer cognitive function, and higher risk of depression and anxiety【PubMed: 34166615】.
4. Resveratrol: Not Enough to Matter
Red wine does contain resveratrol, but in very small amounts. You would need to drink hundreds of glasses of wine to get the dose shown in lab studies. Grapes, blueberries, and peanuts are safer sources.
So, Is Drinking Ever “Healthy”?
The short answer: no. While moderate alcohol may not be as harmful as heavy drinking, the risks outweigh the benefits. If you enjoy a drink, it should be for pleasure or social connection, not for health reasons.
Smarter Choices for Wellness
Instead of reaching for alcohol as a “health booster,” focus on proven strategies:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in plants and whole foods
- Exercising regularly
- Staying hydrated
- Supporting your liver with botanicals such as milk thistle, turmeric, and dandelion (like in our Happy Hour Capsules)
Bottom Line
Alcohol is not a health supplement, and the idea that “moderate drinking is good for you” is a myth rooted in outdated science. The best way to support your health is through lifestyle, nutrition, and science-backed wellness tools.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before making lifestyle or supplement changes.