New study confirms even low alcohol consumption is harmful to health

A new study contradicts previous findings that link moderate alcohol consumption to health benefits and a longer life.

Some recent studies have linked moderate alcohol consumption to health benefits, such as lower risk of heart disease. Other studies have touted the potential health benefits of drinking wine.

However, results of a new study from the University of Greifswald in Germany contradict the idea of drinking alcohol to protect health.

The researchers found that those who abstain from alcohol may have a higher mortality rate because of risky behaviors in which they engaged earlier in life.

"The results support the view that people in the general population who currently are abstinent from alcohol do not necessarily have a shorter survival time than the population with low to moderate alcohol consumption," the authors say. "The findings speak against recommendations to drink alcohol for health reasons."

The World Health Organization says alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies alcohol as a Group 1 human carcinogen and it is linked to seven types of cancer.

Alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, voice box and large intestine and rectum, according to IARC.

Why is alcohol forbidden in Islam and other religions?

Islam and other religions forbid alcoholic consumption and view it as sinful due to the physical, mental and spiritual harm it has on humans. In Islam, any food or drink that causes intoxication is strictly forbidden.

In the Quran, all kinds of alcoholic drinks are unlawful and referenced as incentives from the Satan.

002