Think before you drink

The health benefits of alcohol may have been overblown, doctors say – with links to a lower risk of heart disease being skewed by studies that have included former heavy drinkers in non-drinking groups for example. In fact, say a team of UK and Australian based researchers, compared with people who’ve never drunk, only men aged 50-64 years who typically drink 15-20 units per week, and women aged 65 and over consume no more than 10 units a week seem to benefit. Little or no protection was found in other age-sex groups, and the researchers say that health professionals should stop suggesting to patients that a small amount of alcohol can ever be good for you.

A typical drink may be two or three units. You can find out more here