/ 12 December 2016

[FROM OUR ARCHIVES] Six ways alcohol can help – and hurt – you this Easter

The new bill would also empower the liquor board inspectorate to close down premises where liquor legislation is being breached.
The list was widely shared on social media and showed drinks doubling in price overnight, as it detailed charges which come into effect from January 1. (Gallo)

We have heard drinking is good for your heart. We have heard it may even protect you against diabetes. But we also know that alcohol is a major driver of heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes.

So, what is going on?

Charles Parry is director of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit at the Medical Research Council of South Africa. He separates the fact from the fiction regarding alcohol’s risks and benefits – and gives you a rule of thumb for safe drinking this festive season.

This piece was originally published on December 15 2016. Tell us what you think – make a comment and rate our story on a scale of 1 (really bad) to 10 (excellent). We’d love to hear from you.