Humans and the bottle go a long way back. Archaeologists have found our love of alcohol began some 9,000 years ago (and maybe even 10 million years ago, according to some reports).
Evidence of people boozin’ it up has been found in nearly every society throughout history. And today, alcohol is still ingrained in cultures around the world, especially in places like the Midwest — dubbed the Binge Drinking Belt of the United States. Summer barbecue? Beer me. Stressed? Unwind with some wine. Bored? Hang out with Jack Daniels and Sailor Jerry.
And for decades, there seemed to be no need to feel too guilty about imbibing, as long as you did so moderately and responsibly. After all, previous studies have tied alcohol consumption to heart health and longevity. And we’ve heard that a glass of wine a day can keep the doctor away.
Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?
But is the party over? The growing body of work that highlights alcohol’s connection to cancer is difficult to ignore. And according to some studies, the evidence outweighs any potential heart health benefits you might get from a drink or two.
