Hazardous Alcohol

For the first time in 20 years, a set of new guidelines published by UK’s chief medical officer warns of the risks of consuming any level of alcohol. The study cautions that drinking any level of alcohol is associated with different forms of cancer.

The study issued fresh guidelines after 1995 asking Britons to lower their alcohol consumption to 14 units a week for both the sexes to lower the risk of cancer and liver diseases. Previous guidelines recommended 21 units for men and 14 units for women. The new study, however, dismisses the claim that a glass of red wine can benefit both men and women. It is largely believed that drinking red wine prevents memory loss and reduces the risk of heart attacks. The study asserts that people who do not drink are significantly at a lower risk of contracting cancer than those who do. Moreover, it states that people who had given up drinking may take years before they reach the low risk level of cancer in teetotallers.

The Committee on Carcinogenicity says that the idea that certain wines are good for health applies only to women who are 55 years of age and above and that the wine must be limited to two glasses a week. Some critics have, however, criticised the new set of guidelines. The British recommendations are very similar to the ones suggested by the US health officials but are far stricter than other European nations.