Spinning the Science
Alcohol Boosts Antioxidants in Fruit Drinks
First science informed us that alcohol is good for the heart; the antioxidants in red wine promote longevity. This was followed by research that pointed to the health benefits enjoyed by those choosing to imbibe moderately as being superior to those who abstain. Although these reports are supported by empirical evidence that underscores their veracity, some (many?) drinkers neglected to note the definition of “moderate” consumption, often buried in a section of the report subsequent to the headline or sound bite reporting on it when touting the medicinal benefits of ethanol consumption.

Now we have new scientific evidence that ethanol may be even more widely beneficial than first thought with regards to its ability to enhance life, and not only on an affective level. New research suggests that ethanol may augment the naturally occurring antioxidants found in fruit juices – see Alcohol May Make Fruit More Fruitful at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18218185/

The question remains for those engaged in the prevention of high-risk and dangerous consumption of alcohol: How do we invite the public to realize that one must read further than the headlines on such reports in order to see the “big picture,” namely that not only does one need to drink moderately to realize these benefits that sciences is documenting, but consuming in a more than moderate fashion remains detrimental to physical health…not to mention emotional, mental, legal, familial, social, and economic health as well.

Just as one would not consider consuming more than 2, perhaps 3, tablets of a favored over-the-counter pain reliever to address a headache or sore muscles because such could be dangerous, so should those looking to justify alcohol use as “medicinal” attend to dosage. However, this seems counter intuitive to many tipplers and—If we consider an article published in the last edition of News from the Front about the absence of labels regarding ingredients and dosage on alcohol containers—Is difficult to accomplish for those willing to do so.

It is incumbent upon us involved in alcohol education and prevention efforts to educate the public regarding what science is teaching us about drinking. It is also important to push for information about alcohol and its use to be included on the labels placed on containers of alcohol. Short of a concerted effort to address these dual objectives effectively, I fear that the high-risk and dangerous drinkers exposed to the latest scientific evidence will “spin the science” in order to argue against the suggestions and pleas of counselors, children, spouses, and parents advising them to cut back or quit.