For decades, Americans got the message that drinking in moderation might be good for us. While it was clear that heavy or binge drinking carried health risks, the conventional wisdom held that there was a “safe” middle ground when it came to alcohol. But more recent research on alcohol’s effect on heart disease, cancer, and the brain has prompted changes from major health organizations and societies, leaving many of us wondering if our drinking habits are based on outdated science. The big question: Is regularly drinking wine or enjoying a nightly cocktail a good thing, or are we hurting our health?
It’s a Complicated Time for Alcohol Advice What to Make of Current Recommendations If you’re fuzzy about how much it’s okay to drink, it’s understandable. The World Health Organization guidelines state that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Meanwhile, the U.S. federal government’s new dietary guidelines for 2025–2030 advise people to simply “drink less” rather than setting a limit of two drinks per day for men and one for women, as the previous guidelines did, suggesting that moderate alcohol use is not a serious concern.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f771cecc-264a-450b-bf74-4a0dd3113103e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762940cb7756-976b-4c95-82fc-96a7893c5d3e Part of the confusion comes from the science itself. Alcohol has complex and sometimes competing effects on the body, and most of what researchers know comes from observational studies that can’t fully separate the effects of drinking from those of other lifestyle factors, says Ned Calonge, MD, MPH , professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora and the committee chair on the National Academies’ report on moderate alcohol consumption. But there is consensus that drinking beyond moderate levels poses significant health risks. What Is Moderate Drinking? Most experts define moderate drinking as one drink a day for women and no more than two for men. “Some people will respond to the idea of drinking only one drink in 24 hours by saying ‘I can’t just have one drink,’ or asking, ‘Then, what’s the point?’” says Gregory Marcus, MD , cardiologist, professor of medicine, and researcher at UCSF Health in San Francisco and the vice chair of the American Heart Association’s scientific statement on alcohol use. “Those are individuals for whom drinking no alcohol is almost certainly better for their health than drinking any,” says Dr. Marcus.
How Alcohol May Help or Harm the Heart Alcohol and Heart Health For years, scientists widely believed that moderate drinking — especially of red wine — offered protection against heart disease. That view was shaped by observational studies suggesting that people who drank lightly had lower rates of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues than those who didn’t drink at all.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d3c7ffd-6891-4ae1-88f3-3b42390c0def “In hindsight, there was probably too much confidence that red wine was beneficial for the heart, but the pendulum has now swung too far in the other direction, where moderate alcohol use is often assumed to be harmful despite the available evidence,” says Marcus. “Uncertainty remains about the true cardiovascular risk of drinking lightly such as one to two drinks a day,” according to the authors of the AHA scientific statement. The available evidence suggests that drinking in moderation may either have no effect or reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, says Marcus.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298e904349-9dc7-4f05-b064-29d1009fd5db The National Academies echoed that conclusion, based on research studies published between 2010 and 2024, which found moderate drinking is tied to a lower risk of cardiovascular death, says Dr. Calonge.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a32756e6-0c64-4d81-8b53-11fe733d4cf1 Alcohol can make blood less likely to clot, which might reduce the risk of heart attacks and some types of stroke , but that same effect can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding, he says. A study that looked at the drinking habits of thousands of people enrolled in the Mass General Brigham Biobank found that people who had one to 14 drinks a week were less likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those who had less than one drink a week.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295895d681-ff07-4028-8a66-a9cbd24b617a Researchers believe moderate drinkers may have had lower heart risks because of brain changes — specifically reductions in stress signaling. However, because of alcohol’s overall impact on the health, the authors did not recommend drinking as a preventative strategy against heart attack and stroke. Alcohol may also lower blood sugar, which could help explain why some studies have linked light drinking (sometimes defined as less than one drink a week for women, and less than seven a week for men) to lower diabetes risk. In excess, however, those same mechanisms contribute to liver damage, metabolic disruption, and cardiovascular harm.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629188ddf0a-8976-40f8-a5ba-9221226dd434 Because of these tradeoffs — and because heavy drinking is clearly harmful — the American Heart Association doesn’t recommend people start drinking if they don’t currently do so. If you do drink, stay within the recommended limits.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298f46158a-9505-451b-8e24-e1a77762fd90 Red Wine and Resveratrol Some basic science research has suggested that certain components of red wine might be beneficial, says Marcus. In particular, antioxidants called polyphenols, including resveratrol, have been studied for their potential to raise “good” HDL cholesterol , protect blood vessels, and reduce blood clotting. But research on resveratrol has produced mixed results, with some studies suggesting possible anti-inflammatory or cardiovascular benefits and others finding no clear protection against heart disease. Importantly, many foods such as grapes, grape juice, berries, and peanuts also contain resveratrol, raising the question of whether alcohol is necessary to get the potential benefits.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d3c7ffd-6891-4ae1-88f3-3b42390c0def
How Alcohol Impacts Cancer Risk Alcohol and Cancer Risk Across multiple large studies, scientists have tied alcohol to an increased risk of several cancers, says Chinmay Jani, MD , chief fellow of hematology and oncology and a researcher on alcohol and cancer risk at the University of Miami–Jackson Health System in Florida. The link between drinking and cancer is driven by many mechanisms in the body, says Dr. Jani, including the cancer-causing effects of acetaldehyde (a toxic byproduct of alcohol that damages DNA), along with oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal changes. The odds of developing cancer increase as people drink more, especially for those with other risk factors, such as a family history of cancer or certain genetic traits, he says. “From a prevention standpoint, the takeaway is simple: Drinking less alcohol lowers cancer risk, ” says Jani. Pooled research from the National Cancer Institute found connections between moderate drinking and the following types of cancer:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629101f4830-9b7b-43e7-8b54-b085dbefbb1e Breast Cancer In data collected from 118 studies, breast cancer risk was 4 percent higher for light drinkers and 23 percent higher for moderate drinkers compared with nondrinkers. Mouth and Throat Cancer Moderate drinkers raise their risk of mouth cancer by 80 percent and throat cancer by 40 percent versus nondrinkers. Esophageal Cancer When compared with no alcohol consumption, the risk was found to increase by 30 percent for light drinkers. Colon Cancer Moderate drinking increases the risk of colon or rectal cancer by an estimated 20 percent. “In our study, we also observed a growing burden of alcohol-attributable cancers among younger males (especially colorectal), highlighting a concerning shift in disease patterns,” Jani adds.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ed1d54f5-6107-4c0f-8d8c-42377935d1a9
How Alcohol Impacts the Brain Alcohol and Brain Health While many people depend on a nightly drink or two to help them fall asleep , drinking keeps you from getting the kind of sleep your brain needs to feel rested, says Stephen Holt, MD , an internal medicine doctor and addiction medicine specialist at Yale Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. When alcohol acts as a sedative, it can knock you out without allowing enough restorative or REM sleep and leave you feeling tired or foggy, even after a full night of sleep, he says. “Over time, alcohol can also disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm by interfering with normal melatonin release, throwing off the brain’s internal clock and contributing to a cycle of poor quality sleep that affects energy, mood, and overall health,” says Dr. Holt. The science on moderate drinking and mental health is mixed. There is some evidence that it may lower the risk of depression , possibly because small amounts of alcohol have a positive effect on neurotransmitters and cardiac-related inflammation. Moderate drinking often goes hand in hand with being social, which is also linked with a lower risk of depression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ca87d429-9187-4a17-a3fe-dbf16aa9d318e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f1e3cdb8-735c-4f41-8488-6757325ad4b6 The findings on anxiety and drinking are likewise mixed. A review of the evidence concluded that a small amount of alcohol use may lower the risk of long-term anxiety, but more research is needed.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296e02090d-2c89-4d70-bc75-f37333f3f22c Heavier drinking is clearly linked with an increased risk of dementia or problems with memory or cognition, but it’s unclear if moderate drinking has the same effect, according to the National Academies report.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762906331ed6-212d-4894-9bff-be55535f102f Some studies show that moderate drinking is associated with a slightly lower risk of dementia, while a large genetic study found that drinking any amount of alcohol raises the risk.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762997961cef-096e-4612-a030-97f4050306f1
Other Factors That May Influence Alcohol’s Health Impact Other Factors While the definition of moderate drinking is straightforward, having one or two drinks doesn’t affect everyone’s health equally. Factors that may influence your risk include: Genetics People of East Asian descent with the genetic variation ALDH2 have trouble metabolizing alcohol, making them at higher risk of alcohol-related cancer and heart issues, even if they are moderate drinkers.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d4ddcd33-6d65-4d2c-85a5-1beaa9814433 Chronic Conditions Being at risk for or having chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes can make moderate drinking riskier because of its effects on blood sugar and weight. Excess calories from alcohol are stored in the liver as fat.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296dd54ad2-6946-45e8-8b9b-b2cc3982f08e Being Female Women metabolize alcohol differently from men, which is one reason why moderate drinking for females is just one drink per day.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d4ddcd33-6d65-4d2c-85a5-1beaa9814433 Additionally, alcohol doesn’t mix well with many medications. The most common drugs that interact with alcohol include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292b9da305-97c7-4fd1-92de-61bb6f884107 NSAIDs, such as Advil Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol Pain medications such as opioids Medications taken for heart issues, including warfarin and some beta blockers Drugs for anxiety and sleep, including benzodiazepines and “Z-drugs” like Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), and Ambien (zolpidem)
How Americans Drink Today Alcohol by the Numbers The U.S. drinking rate is at an all-time low, according to a 2025 Gallup poll. Only 54 percent of U.S. adults say they drink, the lowest percentage in the nearly 90 years that Gallup has tracked alcohol consumption.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e7e38f77-489b-4809-b990-b87e50545763 However, binge drinking — having five or more drinks for men or four or more for women — is still widespread. A 2024 national survey found that more than 1 out of 5 U.S. adults reported binge drinking in the past month.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295319ba99-4ffb-4b84-a66c-68140283f007
Bottom Line: Don’t Start Drinking for Health Reasons Bottom Line Despite some potential heart benefits, even moderate drinking is associated with increased risks for other health outcomes, including certain cancers, making it difficult to weigh alcohol’s overall impact on health, says Marcus. Experts agree that any evidence of benefit isn’t strong enough to suggest that people who don’t drink should start drinking — especially given the clear risks of heavy drinking. While our understanding of the risks and benefits of moderate drinking continue to evolve, it’s mostly based on associations, not cause and effect. That’s because it would be nearly impossible to do the highest quality research in a study comparing drinkers to nondrinkers for years or even decades, says Calonge.
The Takeaway Moderate drinking is not risk-free. While some studies suggest small amounts of alcohol may be linked to lower risks of certain heart-related outcomes, alcohol is also tied to increased cancer risk. Cutting back on drinking is one of the most reliable ways to lower alcohol-related cancer risk. If you don’t drink, don’t start: There’s not enough evidence of benefit to outweigh the risks. If you do drink, staying within recommended limits, avoiding binge drinking, and prioritizing proven health behaviors can help reduce overall risk.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: Reasons to Drink Less This Patio SeasonMayo Clinic: Balancing the Risks, Benefits of AlcoholAmerican Heart Association: Is Drinking Alcohol Part of a Healthy Lifestyle?American Cancer Society: Alcohol Use and CancerYale Medicine: Question for Women: Is Alcohol Damaging Your Health?
It’s a Complicated Time for Alcohol Advice What to Make of Current Recommendations If you’re fuzzy about how much it’s okay to drink, it’s understandable. The World Health Organization guidelines state that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Meanwhile, the U.S. federal government’s new dietary guidelines for 2025–2030 advise people to simply “drink less” rather than setting a limit of two drinks per day for men and one for women, as the previous guidelines did, suggesting that moderate alcohol use is not a serious concern.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f771cecc-264a-450b-bf74-4a0dd3113103e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762940cb7756-976b-4c95-82fc-96a7893c5d3e Part of the confusion comes from the science itself. Alcohol has complex and sometimes competing effects on the body, and most of what researchers know comes from observational studies that can’t fully separate the effects of drinking from those of other lifestyle factors, says Ned Calonge, MD, MPH , professor of epidemiology at the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora and the committee chair on the National Academies’ report on moderate alcohol consumption. But there is consensus that drinking beyond moderate levels poses significant health risks. What Is Moderate Drinking? Most experts define moderate drinking as one drink a day for women and no more than two for men. “Some people will respond to the idea of drinking only one drink in 24 hours by saying ‘I can’t just have one drink,’ or asking, ‘Then, what’s the point?’” says Gregory Marcus, MD , cardiologist, professor of medicine, and researcher at UCSF Health in San Francisco and the vice chair of the American Heart Association’s scientific statement on alcohol use. “Those are individuals for whom drinking no alcohol is almost certainly better for their health than drinking any,” says Dr. Marcus.
How Alcohol May Help or Harm the Heart Alcohol and Heart Health For years, scientists widely believed that moderate drinking — especially of red wine — offered protection against heart disease. That view was shaped by observational studies suggesting that people who drank lightly had lower rates of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues than those who didn’t drink at all.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d3c7ffd-6891-4ae1-88f3-3b42390c0def “In hindsight, there was probably too much confidence that red wine was beneficial for the heart, but the pendulum has now swung too far in the other direction, where moderate alcohol use is often assumed to be harmful despite the available evidence,” says Marcus. “Uncertainty remains about the true cardiovascular risk of drinking lightly such as one to two drinks a day,” according to the authors of the AHA scientific statement. The available evidence suggests that drinking in moderation may either have no effect or reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, says Marcus.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298e904349-9dc7-4f05-b064-29d1009fd5db The National Academies echoed that conclusion, based on research studies published between 2010 and 2024, which found moderate drinking is tied to a lower risk of cardiovascular death, says Dr. Calonge.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a32756e6-0c64-4d81-8b53-11fe733d4cf1 Alcohol can make blood less likely to clot, which might reduce the risk of heart attacks and some types of stroke , but that same effect can increase the risk of dangerous bleeding, he says. A study that looked at the drinking habits of thousands of people enrolled in the Mass General Brigham Biobank found that people who had one to 14 drinks a week were less likely to have a heart attack or stroke than those who had less than one drink a week.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295895d681-ff07-4028-8a66-a9cbd24b617a Researchers believe moderate drinkers may have had lower heart risks because of brain changes — specifically reductions in stress signaling. However, because of alcohol’s overall impact on the health, the authors did not recommend drinking as a preventative strategy against heart attack and stroke. Alcohol may also lower blood sugar, which could help explain why some studies have linked light drinking (sometimes defined as less than one drink a week for women, and less than seven a week for men) to lower diabetes risk. In excess, however, those same mechanisms contribute to liver damage, metabolic disruption, and cardiovascular harm.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629188ddf0a-8976-40f8-a5ba-9221226dd434 Because of these tradeoffs — and because heavy drinking is clearly harmful — the American Heart Association doesn’t recommend people start drinking if they don’t currently do so. If you do drink, stay within the recommended limits.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298f46158a-9505-451b-8e24-e1a77762fd90 Red Wine and Resveratrol Some basic science research has suggested that certain components of red wine might be beneficial, says Marcus. In particular, antioxidants called polyphenols, including resveratrol, have been studied for their potential to raise “good” HDL cholesterol , protect blood vessels, and reduce blood clotting. But research on resveratrol has produced mixed results, with some studies suggesting possible anti-inflammatory or cardiovascular benefits and others finding no clear protection against heart disease. Importantly, many foods such as grapes, grape juice, berries, and peanuts also contain resveratrol, raising the question of whether alcohol is necessary to get the potential benefits.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d3c7ffd-6891-4ae1-88f3-3b42390c0def
How Alcohol Impacts Cancer Risk Alcohol and Cancer Risk Across multiple large studies, scientists have tied alcohol to an increased risk of several cancers, says Chinmay Jani, MD , chief fellow of hematology and oncology and a researcher on alcohol and cancer risk at the University of Miami–Jackson Health System in Florida. The link between drinking and cancer is driven by many mechanisms in the body, says Dr. Jani, including the cancer-causing effects of acetaldehyde (a toxic byproduct of alcohol that damages DNA), along with oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal changes. The odds of developing cancer increase as people drink more, especially for those with other risk factors, such as a family history of cancer or certain genetic traits, he says. “From a prevention standpoint, the takeaway is simple: Drinking less alcohol lowers cancer risk, ” says Jani. Pooled research from the National Cancer Institute found connections between moderate drinking and the following types of cancer:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629101f4830-9b7b-43e7-8b54-b085dbefbb1e Breast Cancer In data collected from 118 studies, breast cancer risk was 4 percent higher for light drinkers and 23 percent higher for moderate drinkers compared with nondrinkers. Mouth and Throat Cancer Moderate drinkers raise their risk of mouth cancer by 80 percent and throat cancer by 40 percent versus nondrinkers. Esophageal Cancer When compared with no alcohol consumption, the risk was found to increase by 30 percent for light drinkers. Colon Cancer Moderate drinking increases the risk of colon or rectal cancer by an estimated 20 percent. “In our study, we also observed a growing burden of alcohol-attributable cancers among younger males (especially colorectal), highlighting a concerning shift in disease patterns,” Jani adds.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ed1d54f5-6107-4c0f-8d8c-42377935d1a9
How Alcohol Impacts the Brain Alcohol and Brain Health While many people depend on a nightly drink or two to help them fall asleep , drinking keeps you from getting the kind of sleep your brain needs to feel rested, says Stephen Holt, MD , an internal medicine doctor and addiction medicine specialist at Yale Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. When alcohol acts as a sedative, it can knock you out without allowing enough restorative or REM sleep and leave you feeling tired or foggy, even after a full night of sleep, he says. “Over time, alcohol can also disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm by interfering with normal melatonin release, throwing off the brain’s internal clock and contributing to a cycle of poor quality sleep that affects energy, mood, and overall health,” says Dr. Holt. The science on moderate drinking and mental health is mixed. There is some evidence that it may lower the risk of depression , possibly because small amounts of alcohol have a positive effect on neurotransmitters and cardiac-related inflammation. Moderate drinking often goes hand in hand with being social, which is also linked with a lower risk of depression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ca87d429-9187-4a17-a3fe-dbf16aa9d318e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f1e3cdb8-735c-4f41-8488-6757325ad4b6 The findings on anxiety and drinking are likewise mixed. A review of the evidence concluded that a small amount of alcohol use may lower the risk of long-term anxiety, but more research is needed.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296e02090d-2c89-4d70-bc75-f37333f3f22c Heavier drinking is clearly linked with an increased risk of dementia or problems with memory or cognition, but it’s unclear if moderate drinking has the same effect, according to the National Academies report.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762906331ed6-212d-4894-9bff-be55535f102f Some studies show that moderate drinking is associated with a slightly lower risk of dementia, while a large genetic study found that drinking any amount of alcohol raises the risk.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762997961cef-096e-4612-a030-97f4050306f1
Other Factors That May Influence Alcohol’s Health Impact Other Factors While the definition of moderate drinking is straightforward, having one or two drinks doesn’t affect everyone’s health equally. Factors that may influence your risk include: Genetics People of East Asian descent with the genetic variation ALDH2 have trouble metabolizing alcohol, making them at higher risk of alcohol-related cancer and heart issues, even if they are moderate drinkers.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d4ddcd33-6d65-4d2c-85a5-1beaa9814433 Chronic Conditions Being at risk for or having chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes can make moderate drinking riskier because of its effects on blood sugar and weight. Excess calories from alcohol are stored in the liver as fat.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296dd54ad2-6946-45e8-8b9b-b2cc3982f08e Being Female Women metabolize alcohol differently from men, which is one reason why moderate drinking for females is just one drink per day.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d4ddcd33-6d65-4d2c-85a5-1beaa9814433 Additionally, alcohol doesn’t mix well with many medications. The most common drugs that interact with alcohol include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292b9da305-97c7-4fd1-92de-61bb6f884107 NSAIDs, such as Advil Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol Pain medications such as opioids Medications taken for heart issues, including warfarin and some beta blockers Drugs for anxiety and sleep, including benzodiazepines and “Z-drugs” like Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sonata (zaleplon), and Ambien (zolpidem)
How Americans Drink Today Alcohol by the Numbers The U.S. drinking rate is at an all-time low, according to a 2025 Gallup poll. Only 54 percent of U.S. adults say they drink, the lowest percentage in the nearly 90 years that Gallup has tracked alcohol consumption.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e7e38f77-489b-4809-b990-b87e50545763 However, binge drinking — having five or more drinks for men or four or more for women — is still widespread. A 2024 national survey found that more than 1 out of 5 U.S. adults reported binge drinking in the past month.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295319ba99-4ffb-4b84-a66c-68140283f007
Bottom Line: Don’t Start Drinking for Health Reasons Bottom Line Despite some potential heart benefits, even moderate drinking is associated with increased risks for other health outcomes, including certain cancers, making it difficult to weigh alcohol’s overall impact on health, says Marcus. Experts agree that any evidence of benefit isn’t strong enough to suggest that people who don’t drink should start drinking — especially given the clear risks of heavy drinking. While our understanding of the risks and benefits of moderate drinking continue to evolve, it’s mostly based on associations, not cause and effect. That’s because it would be nearly impossible to do the highest quality research in a study comparing drinkers to nondrinkers for years or even decades, says Calonge.
The Takeaway Moderate drinking is not risk-free. While some studies suggest small amounts of alcohol may be linked to lower risks of certain heart-related outcomes, alcohol is also tied to increased cancer risk. Cutting back on drinking is one of the most reliable ways to lower alcohol-related cancer risk. If you don’t drink, don’t start: There’s not enough evidence of benefit to outweigh the risks. If you do drink, staying within recommended limits, avoiding binge drinking, and prioritizing proven health behaviors can help reduce overall risk.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: Reasons to Drink Less This Patio SeasonMayo Clinic: Balancing the Risks, Benefits of AlcoholAmerican Heart Association: Is Drinking Alcohol Part of a Healthy Lifestyle?American Cancer Society: Alcohol Use and CancerYale Medicine: Question for Women: Is Alcohol Damaging Your Health?