A recent study by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) has sparked widespread conversation, claiming there are potential benefits to moderate alcohol consumption. However, to fully understand the implications of the findings, it’s essential to clarify what "moderate" means. According to the report, men can safely consume up to two drinks per day, while women should limit themselves to one. This stands in stark contrast to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) earlier statement this year, which claimed there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption.

At first glance, the NASEM findings might seem like a significant win for the alcoholic beverage industry, particularly in an era where the "sober curious" and neo-prohibitionist movements are gaining traction. But the study doesn’t shy away from its limitations. While it emphasizes the potential benefits of moderate drinking—such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease—it also openly acknowledges gaps in research and areas where definitive conclusions cannot yet be drawn, such as the link between alcohol consumption and weight gain. 

A Clash of Findings: WHO vs. NASEM

The WHO’s assertion that no amount of alcohol is safe was based on research linking alcohol to seven types of cancer. Conversely, the NASEM report challenges these claims, suggesting that while moderate drinking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, there is insufficient evidence to conclusively link it to cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, or larynx. This conclusion however stems largely from gaps in existing research rather than definitive proof of safety.

That said, the most striking finding of the NASEM study is the lower all-cause mortality rate observed among moderate drinkers compared to non-drinkers. In simple terms, moderate drinkers tend to live longer than those who abstain completely. This potential silver lining, however, should be viewed with caution. The study is just one of three reviews that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will consider before updating their official guidelines. Another review, conducted by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD), has already drawn its own share of controversy.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-31]]

Global Perspectives on Alcohol and Health

The NASEM report is not the only recent study examining the intersection of alcohol consumption and health. Renowned wine journalist Felicity Carter has highlighted a Spanish study led by Professor Ramon Estruch of the University of Barcelona and Hospital Clínic Barcelona. As part of ongoing research into the Mediterranean diet, this study reaffirms the role of wine as a key component of this renowned dietary approach. Earlier findings, as reported by Meininger’s Wine Business International, have already linked moderate wine consumption to notable health benefits.

In Moderation Lies the Key

While alcohol may not yet earn a full-fledged green light, NASEM’s findings offer a more nuanced perspective. Moderate consumption has potential benefits that shouldn’t be dismissed outright, but the emphasis must remain on the term moderation. With ongoing studies likely to provide further insights—or even overturn previous conclusions—drinkers should approach this topic with a healthy dose of skepticism.

For now, though, there's a good enough reason to raise a glass—to moderation.

Header image sourced from Adobe Express.

Related Links:
15 Advanced Mixology Techniques for Unforgettable Cocktails 
Tural Hasanov’s Formula for Crafting Successful and Unforgettable Bar Takeovers