cyptomcat
Hibernating
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- Nov 19, 2007
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Study: Abstaining from alcohol significantly shortens life
I think they might have a problem with correlation vs. causation, but still very interesting.
(Yes this is a re-post from off-topic since off-topic is currently too occupied going back and forth on politics.)
http://www.mnn.com/food/wine-spirit...ing-from-alcohol-significantly-shortens-life#Of the 1,824 study participants, only 41 percent of the moderate drinkers died compared to a whopping 69 percent of the nondrinkers. Meanwhile, the heavy drinkers fared better than those who abstained, with a 60 percent mortality rate. Despite the increased risks for cirrhosis and several types of cancer, not to mention dependency, accidents and poor judgment associated with heavy drinking, those who imbibe are less likely to die than people who stay dry.
A possible explanation for this is that alcohol can be a great social lubricant, and strong social networks are essential for maintaining mental and physical health. Nondrinkers have been shown to demonstrate greater signs of depression than their carousing counterparts, and in addition to the potential heart health and circulation benefits of moderate drinking (especially red wine), it also increases sociability.
I think they might have a problem with correlation vs. causation, but still very interesting.
(Yes this is a re-post from off-topic since off-topic is currently too occupied going back and forth on politics.)