One more virtue of light to moderate wine drinking
"All things in moderation" isn't always true -- moderate exposure to someone with measles when you haven't been vaccinated (or had the disease) isn't smart. Neither is moderate indulgence in highly processed foods -- that'll up your risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. But you'll be glad to hear that sometimes moderate (or light) consumption of things that are harmful when over-the-top can actually improve your chances for better health. Take wine.
A study in Diabetes Care found that moderate or light alcohol drinking lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in men and women. Harvard researchers looked at 30 years' worth of data on the drinking habits of more than 200,000 folks and discovered that one drink for women and two for men five or six days a week provided the best protection and drinking when not having a meal was more beneficial than drinking while eating.
Now, there are many reasons not to drink. If you're inclined to binge or overindulge, you up your risk for various cancers, dementia, and heart and liver disease. If you're taking medications such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, opioids, antidepressants, sleep meds, or NSAIDs, you risk harmful interactions.
But if you're on the road to Type 2 diabetes -- which comes with a menu of life-shortening health risks -- and you have friends to build your posse with, you might sip a glass of chardonnay or Chianti. And for more great ways to dodge Type 2 diabetes, check out my book "This is Your Do-Over."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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