alcohol

There is little doubt that heavy alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and drinking alcohol while pregnant are harmful, but moderate alcohol consumption carries both risks and benefits (decreasing the risk of heart disease, increasing the risk of cancer, decreasing the risk of one type of stroke and increasing the risk of another). In particular, there appears to be a correlation between alcohol consumption and breast cancer as well as liver disease mortality. Alcohol may also contribute to cancer risk and is a known cancer promoter. Alcoholic drinks do not count towards one’s phytochemical index (one type of healthy eating score). And some types of mushrooms, such as morels, should never be consumed with alcohol. Alcohol’s effect appears to be neutral with regard to atrial fibrillation.

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