For nearly 30 years, the media and many physicians promoted the belief — fueled by the French paradox and bias-ridden observational studies — that a drink or two a day could be good for many adults. N

For nearly 30 years, the media and many physicians promoted the belief — fueled by the French paradox and bias-ridden observational studies — that a drink or two a day could be good for many adults. Now, better-designed research has uncorked a new truth: Even one drink a day can raise the risk for cancer, cardiovascular problems, liver disease, and early death. The government-commissioned Alcohol Intake and Health Study, published in June, found a level of drinking once considered potentially protective — a glass of red wine with friends, a beer on a summer night, a brunch-time cocktail — have no meaningful health benefits. The study joins a growing body of research presenting physicians with a challenge: How to explain to patients, even light drinkers, that older studies were flawed, and the healthiest drink is none at all. Tap the link to read the full story.