20 Life-Changing Health Benefits Of Not Drinking Alcohol

A Harvard article cited a possible cause to how moderate amounts of alcohol raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (also known as “good cholesterol”) – a cholesterol that has been linked to better protection against heart disease. True, the data does not confirm a protective effect of light drinking. But the health risks drug addiction were low, and quite similar at levels between zero to one drink per day. That suggests that zero consumption may not necessarily be best, or any better than several drinks per week.

Alcohol use: Weighing risks and benefits

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There is extensive evidence indicating that people who suffer psychological distress and rely on alcohol to relieve their stress are more likely to develop alcohol abuse and dependence (Castaneda and Cushman 1989; Kessler et al. 1996, 1997). Because vulnerability to alcohol dependence varies greatly among individuals, it is difficult to assess the risk of dependence in relation to how much a person drinks. Two persons exposed to alcohol in exactly the same way may or may not have the same outcome for many reasons, including genetic differences, personality, behavioral features, and environment. Alcohol use plays a role in many social activities, from the “business lunch” and parties to special occasions. The benefits to those who drink during social occasions are greatly influenced by culture, the setting in which drinking occurs, and expectations about alcohol’s effects (Goldman et al. 1987; Heath 1987; Leigh 1989; Leigh and Stacy 1991). Stress reduction, mood elevation, increased sociability, and relaxation are the most commonly reported psychosocial benefits of drinking alcohol (Baum-Baicker 1985; Hauge and Irgens-Jensen 1990; Leigh and Stacy 1991; Mäkelä and Mustonen 1988).

The 10 health benefits of not drinking alcohol

“The bottom line is, protect the heart with a low amount of alcohol, but increase the risk of cardiovascular disease with high amount of alcohol,” Dasgupta said. Other studies, such as this one from 2022, have found similar results, showing no health benefits of consuming alcohol in moderation for people under 40, only risks. If you need a break from alcohol, going alcohol-free for a month or more can bring about many physical and mental health benefits. If you’re not ready to give up alcohol just yet, but still want to make a positive change to your health, check out these low-calorie alcoholic drinks.

In-Pub Behavioural Data

Contrary to prior beliefs, newer research has found that moderate drinking might actually protect against erectile dysfunction in the same way that drinking red wine might benefit heart disease. In a 2009 study published in the, Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers found that the chances of erectile dysfunction were reduced by 25 to 30 percent among alcohol drinkers. The lead researcher, Kew-Kim Chew, an epidemiologist at the University of West Australia, conducted the study with 1,770 Australian men.

About Moderate Alcohol Use

• There has long been a common perception that red wine is good for the heart, because it contains an antioxidant called resveratrol.
• Your productivity can skyrocket as a result, both in personal and professional realms.
• A stronger immune system means you’re less likely to fall sick and can recover more quickly from illnesses.

Yet the World Health Organization (WHO) states that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for human health. Meanwhile, others who drink heavily “might notice more pronounced physiologic effects, such as more mental clarity, better sleep, weight loss, and feeling the ‘detox’ sensation, in addition to achieving a set goal,” she noted. In addition, alcohol-free drink options are continuing to grow in popularity, and these can provide you with the social experience of drinking, without the negative effects of alcohol. For heavy drinkers, there may be a period of withdrawal after giving up alcohol. But for those who are not alcohol dependent, the worst thing about stopping drinking is likely to be a feeling of ‘missing out’.

Some people who go sober will notice a craving for sweet food as the body misses the sugar from alcohol. If this is the case, go with it, it’s better to cave in to a bag of giant buttons than a bottle of wine. The benefits of not drinking alcohol are significant – ditching the drink can dramatically boost your mental and physical health. The information below is not in any way intended to be legal advice or to encourage alcohol consumption by people under the age of 21. The laws presented include only state laws regarding underage consumption of alcohol.

The Pros and Cons of Alcohol Consumption: What You Need to Know

Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can have a negative impact on the hair. A 2018 animal pros of drinking alcohol study found that resveratrol had protective effects on cardiovascular function in diabetic rats. Meanwhile, 54.9% of people reported that they had consumed alcohol in the past month.