There's good news for alcohol drinkers - you're likely to live longer than non-drinkers.
A new study has revealed non-drinkers are more likely to die early than those who drink in moderation.
The research suggests teetotallers were seven percent more likely to die early or get cancer than people who enjoyed up to three bottles of beer or glasses of wine a week.
- New Zealand reaches crisis point with drinking
- Revealed: New Zealand regions with the most alcohol deaths
"This study helps to provide robust evidence about the health impacts of various levels of alcohol consumption so that individuals can make informed, healthy decisions," says Queen's University Belfast research fellow Dr Andrew Kunzmann.
The study analysed data on death rates from nearly 100,000 people over 55 in the US. Nearly 10 percent died during a nine-year period.
However Dr Kunzmann urges people to wait before grabbing the wine glass, as the reason light drinkers have a lower risk of cancer or early death is still being debated.
"Light drinkers may also be at a lower risk of premature death as they tend to be wealthier, so may have better access to healthcare and may follow other healthier lifestyle behaviours, such as being more physically active," he says.
"We feel it would be inappropriate to recommend teetotallers to start drinking based on these results given the uncertainty."
And there was more bad news for drinkers. Anything more than light drinking increased the odds of negative health impacts.
Very heavy drinkers (three or more drinks each day) had the highest risk of dying early or developing cancer, with a 21 percent chance.
Newshub.
