Alcohol consumption may age people faster
New study finds that twins who drank more alcohol looked older than their siblings who drank less or not at all
The study, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, looked at data from over 2,000 pairs of twins. The researchers found that twins who reported greater alcohol intake overall appeared older than their twin who consumed less or no alcohol.
The difference in appearance was most pronounced in women, and it was particularly noticeable in the face. The researchers believe that this is because alcohol can damage the skin's collagen and elastin, which are proteins that give the skin its strength and elasticity.
The study also found that the link between alcohol consumption and premature aging was independent of other factors, such as smoking, sun exposure, and diet. This suggests that alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for premature aging, even in people who are otherwise healthy.
The researchers say that their findings highlight the importance of limiting alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of premature aging. They also say that more research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which alcohol damages the skin.
Conclusion
This study adds to the growing body of evidence that alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on health. While moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a number of health problems, including premature aging.
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