Booze control: What are the real benefits of cutting back on alcohol

Lisa Salmon looks at the benefits of cutting back on alcohol    

IF a tablet was developed that reduced blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of several life-threatening diseases, while at the same time helping people to lose weight, sleep and concentrate, it would be hailed as a new wonder drug.

While no such drug has yet been developed, it seems exactly the same effects can be achieved by stopping drinking alcohol for a month. Tests on men and women who took part in the Dry January month-long alcohol abstinence campaign found their liver function, blood pressure and cholesterol levels were better, and they were at lower risk of developing diabetes and liver disease.