Alcohol and longevity: Mystery Unravelled

Studies conducted on some animals have shown a positive correlation between increased longevity and moderate alcohol consumption. Former researches have also proved that both heavy drinkers and nondrinkers have higher risks of premature death than their counterparts who drink in temperance. Do you think ingesting a psychoactive toxin that can potentially flag severe health conditions like liver cirrhosis, dementia and cancer can really help you live longer? The answer maybe ‘Yesss’ !!!

Loss of life due to heavy drinking usually results from suicides, homicides, liver diseases and esophageal cancers—however—the cause of elevated death pattern among nondrinkers is not understood quite well.

 

According to an article published in Huffingtonpost.com, a recent study conducted by chemists at University of California, L.A ruled that small amount of alcohol increased longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans—a non-parasitic, transparent nematode that lives in temperate soil environments.   These worms, which normally live for 15 days, survived for about 20 to 40 more days when made to ingest very small amounts of ethanol – the alcohol found in your favorite wine, beer or whatever. While the researchers are not certain about the cause behind this, they found out that only a small amount of ethanol was required; exposing worms to an increased level of ethanol did not boost their lifespan.

 

Stress is the chief enemy of longevity. We’re exposed to a large number of stress causing agents in everyday life, and if these stressors are maintained, long-term physical and psychological effects show up. This in-turn affects our lifespan. A reason for why moderate alcohol consumption leads to increased longevity may be contributed to the fact that alcohol brings the level of stress down and facilitates the instant release of dopamine in brain—a neurotransmitter associated with stress reduction and arousal.

 

But drinking alcohol isn’t just about reducing stress. Apart from de-stressing, the customs surrounding alcohol provide yet another, and perhaps even more imperative function—socializing. Studies have shown that social interaction—along with physical exercise and nutrition—helps in expanding the lifespan of an individual.

 

I had mentioned in one of my blog posts that drinking beer in moderation is good for your health in general, and heart in particular. Nutrients such as folic acid, vitamins, iron and calcium present in beer exercises a 'protective' function over cardiovascular system. This may be another reason why alcohol leads to increased longevity.

 

Most people are afraid when it comes to consuming alcohol. They usually avoid liquor because they feel drinking can lead to health problems and chaos in family. As far as my views are concerned, well, excessive alcohol intake is not good for health. It can lead to esophageal cancer, liver cirrhosis and other fatal conditions: but again, if you don't drink at all, that's not good for you either.