To reduce the number of alcohol-related illnesses and deaths, British health authorities recommend drinking a maximum of 6 pints of beer per week.
In Britain, drinking a pint of beer after work is a tradition. But in this country where alcohol consumption is the highest in Europe, this beverage is wreaking havoc. Pmore than 12,800 people suffer from cancer attributable to alcohol. The number of deaths from liver disease has increased by 40% in just 12 years. Alcohol is the main culprit.
So, for the first time since 1995, the British health authorities updated their recommendations. They advise men and women not to drink more than 6 pints of beer per week, or 14 units of alcohol.
Source: Practical guide to take stock of your alcohol consumption, INPES
Previously, men were advised to limit their weekly intake to 21 units of alcohol. “With these recommendations, we want to bring the most recent and up-to-date scientific information to the public so that people can make informed decisions about their own alcohol consumption and the level of risk they are willing to take.” said Sally Davies, the UK government’s senior adviser on public health issues.
Do not drink every day
Brits are also recommended not to drink daily in order to observe several alcohol-free days in the week. However, this is not a reason to drink the 6 pints of beer in one or two days, say the British authorities. These also advise drinking slowly, while eating, and alternating alcohol with water.
In addition to the desire to reduce the risk of cancer, these recommendations are part of the fight against overweight and obesity linked to alcohol. In fact, a pint of beer contains 180 calories. Reducing the number of weekly pints is a good start in limiting weight gain and associated pathologies.
Finally, the recommendations are clarified for pregnant women and specify that they should not drink during pregnancy. Until now, the advice has been to limit consumption to one or two units of alcohol.
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