Lots of people are joining #DryJanuary this month, the booze-free challenge that aims to help people rethink their relationship with drinking. But are there any real benefits to cutting out alcohol?
A study recently looked at the effects of cutting out alcohol for 5 weeks, and the results are pretty amazing. Liver fat reduced on average by 15%! This lowers the risk of permanent damage to the liver, which does a multitude of different jobs (and is definitely underrated).
The study also found that blood glucose levels dropped by an average of 16% in people who cut out alcohol for a month. Keeping your blood glucose at healthy levels reduces your risk of heart disease and diabetes!
If cholesterol is a worry for you, then you might be surprised to hear that cutting the drink can lower cholesterol levels by almost 5%. Lowering cholesterol levels helps reduce the risk of heart disease and other health conditions - pretty useful really.
Participants in the study also found that their sleep quality ratings rose by over 10%! Alcohol affects your body's ability to regulate it's own processes, so it's not surprising that drinking disrupts sleeping patterns. Less alcohol equals better sleep, and that's the tea.
If we've managed to pique your interest, why not check out the rest of the study? Find out how taking part in #DryJanuary could transform your health: newscientist.com/article/mg2212…
