There are so many ways we are massaged into believing that alcohol is a natural product that has been around since the birth of humanity...and, indeed, for the past 10,000 years for many civilisations alcohol has been a source of hydration and nourishment.
Alcohol acts as a lubricant at almost every function you care to mention, except for those whose religion restricts its use. We believe we need it to "loosen up" or to get the party started, and there's no doubt it does do that, otherwise we wouldn't be offering the champagne, pouring the wine, cracking open the beer.
The Cancer Society would like us to know that alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogenic like benzine, formaldehyde and asbestos ... and even if it's consumed in small amounts, it increases the risk of several types of cancer.
Cancer Society Co- Medical Director Dr George Laking.
Photo: AFP
