After years of research, Canada reveals even small amounts of alcohol can lead to serious health consequences. Read to know more about the recommendations.
Canada: ‘No amount of alcohol is healthy
Health officials in Canada overhauled their alcohol consumption guidelines and warned no amount of alcohol is healthy. Government officials are recommending people to reduce their consumption. Issued on Tuesday, the new guidelines are a major shift from the previous ones from 2011. Experts who developed the guidelines state the new approach is based on decades of research. Hence, they are recommending people limit themselves to a certain number of drinks per week. The guidelines also outline the “continuum of risks” associated with drinking wine or beer over a week.
As per the recommendations, the risk is “low” for those consuming two or fewer standard drinks per week. A standard drink is defined as a 12-ounce beer bottle with 5 percent alcohol. However, for a 12 percent alcohol wine, it is a five-ounce glass. Similarly, a 1.5-ounce of spirit with 40 percent alcohol is considered the standard size. The risk is “moderate” for those drinking between three to six every week. However, the risk is “increasingly high” for those drinking seven or more standard drinks every week. The report was published by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA).
More on the research
Recent research reveals that even low levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of diseases such as blood pressure and heart disease. However, it can significantly increase for those drinking excessively. “Research shows that no amount or kind of alcohol is good for your health,” the report states. “It doesn’t matter what kind it is — wine, beer, cider, or spirits. Drinking, even a small amount, is damaging to everyone, regardless of age, sex, gender, ethnicity, tolerance for alcohol, or lifestyle. That’s why if you drink, it’s better to drink less,” reveals the report.
“We have this line: Drink less, live more. The idea is that any reduction of alcohol will significantly reduce your risk,” stated Dr. Alexander Caudarella. Dr. Caudarella is the CEO of CCSA. Additionally, to encourage and ensure consumers are aware, the report recommends that alcoholic beverages sold come with a warning label. Evidence-based studies reveal adding health warnings to levels helps in increasing public awareness.
