27 February 2023 , 13:55
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Health expert Dr Michael Mosley has his own approach to alcohol, which involves striking a good balance between enjoying a glass or two of wine while still staying healthy.
There's conflicting advice when it comes to the consumption of alcohol, as some studies suggest that consuming any amounts could be bad for you, whereas others have shown that it may have protective qualities, and could actually do your body good.
Writing on his Fast 800 diet website, the doctor explained that the UK guidelines for drinking alcohol are much lower than Italy and Spain, and advise to limit consumption to 14 units a week.
Dr Michael Mosley has discussed his drinking habits (Getty Images)About this, he said: "However, the problem with units is that they are almost impossible to pin down."
This means that the effect of alcohol on your body varies from person to person and how fast you metabolise it. This means drinking what one person considers 'modest amounts' could lead to major health issues for someone else.
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Famous for his TV work, Dr Mosley has revealed how much he drinks each week. He wrote on the Fast800 website: "I try to drink within the recommended guidelines of seven medium-sized glasses of wine a week, and I follow the principles of 5:2 - having a drink five nights a week and not drinking for two."
But this isn't without warning, as he continued: "Alcohol can raise your mood, but when you go beyond the recommended guidelines you are increasing your risk of depression and anxiety."
While some studies, many of which have been criticised as flawed, suggest red wine could have heart-protective qualities, Dr Mosley writes: "After a glass or two a day, the benefits drop off pretty dramatically and disadvantages start to emerge, particularly the risk of liver and breast cancer."
Despite this, if you enjoy the occasional glass of red wine, Dr Mosley doesn't say to cut it out entirely. Instead, he favours "mindful" alcohol consumption, which sees drinkers savour their drink, rather than gulping it down without a second thought.
Back in January 2016, Dr Mosley abstained from drinking for the entire month and got the advice of experts during this period. One specialist he spoke to was Professor Tim Stockwell, director of the Centre for Addiction Research at the University of Victoria in Canada.
The expert, who advised the UK on their own alcohol guidelines, said there are no biochemical benefits to drinking at all. He commented: "There are 60 different ways at least that alcohol can make you unwell or kill you.
"It's not just the obvious things like liver disease. A man drinking three to four units a day increases his risk of developing prostate cancer by 23%. Alcohol, at whatever level, raises a woman's risk of breast cancer. There'd be 10% fewer deaths from breast cancer worldwide if there was no drinking."
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