It is difficult to lay down strict guidelines as to what constitutes 'moderate consumption' - this will depend on your age, size, sex and health, how and when you consume alcohol as both the speed of consumption and drinking with food will effect the absorption of alcohol. The major benefit of moderate alcohol consumption is the reduction of heart attacks, our most common killer. The beneficial effect of alcohol lasts for 24 hours, hence the mesage is to drink moderately and regularly. Prolonged abuse of alcohol causes many life threatening conditions, including heart disease, haemorrhagic stroke, cancers of the liver, breast and of the mouth and throat and cirrhosis of the liver.
Most people enjoy drinking and find it a sociable and relaxing thing to do.
Normally drinking sensibly leads to no harm and is compatible with a healthy lifestyle. Sensible drinking means drinking enjoyably, sociably and responsibly. It includes not drinking at all in situations when the effects of alcohol will put someone's safety or health at risk. It also means being aware of the risks to young people of drinking alcohol and setting an example of moderation.