Drinking? Is it as bad as they say it is? A new study has some interesting revelations on the subject. Find out about some possible theories as to why those who drink actually live longer than those who don't.

Can Drinking Actually Prolong Your Life?

There have been numerous debates and studies over time concerning the effects of alcohol on our health. While each study has its own finding, there seems to be an overwhelming opinion amongst the general public that drinking is bad for your health, and that not drinking at all is the best option. According to a newly released study, however, that may not be the case.

The study was headed by Charles Holahan, a psychologist from the University of Texas at Austin. Holahan, with the help of five others, studied 1,824 people between the ages of 55 and 65 over a 20 year period. To qualify for the study, each individual had to receive some type of outpatient care within the last three years. Of the 1,824 participants, 63 percent were male and only 37 percent were female. It is unsure as to why the group was not split evenly, as that could have skewed the results. In an effort to be as accurate as possible, the research team acknowledged such factors as each individual's level of physical activity, socioeconomic status, social life, and more.

The study was published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, and it revealed a rather shocking discovery. Over the 20 year period, 60 percent of those categorized as heavy drinkers died, while 41 percent from the moderate drinker category had passed away. The group with the highest mortality rate was that of non-drinkers, of which 69 percent died. How could this be?