The Global Burden of Diseases study, a continuous review of global health data, determined that people under the age of 40 should not drink alcohol, while a very small amount is beneficial for those over 40 to consume, The Guardian reports.
Looking at only measurable health data and not the humiliation one feels after texting your ex seven times after your fourth shot of mescal, the study determined that young people drinking only leads to health problems, whereas there are health benefits for older people, including reduced risk in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke.
“Our message is simple: young people should not drink, but older people may benefit from drinking small amounts,” said the study’s senior author, Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou, a professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “While it may not be realistic to think young adults will abstain from drinking, we do think it’s important to communicate the latest evidence so that everyone can make informed decisions about their health.”