Why It's OK To Raise A Glass This Holiday Season

While you might be wary of sipping a few too many spiked eggnogs at this year's holiday parties, an eyebrow-raising study suggests that it may actually benefit you.

A study from the University of Texas Austin suggests that individuals who drink regularly may live longer than those who do not drink at all.

The Independent reports that the study, published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, followed a group of 1,824 participants over a 20-year observation period. Researchers found 69 percent of individuals who abstained from drinking died during this period, which is higher than the mortality rate of heavy drinkers (60 percent) and moderate drinkers (41 percent). A moderate drinker is defined as one who consumers one to three drinks per day.

When the study model is controlled for factors like former problem drinking status and existing health problems, the mortality effect for individuals who abstain from drinking is reduced when compared to moderate drinkers. However, the study authors note that the increased mortality risk for abstainers and heavy drinkers still remain significant, with increases of 51 percent and 41 percent respectively, when compared to moderate drinkers.

Check out the slideshow above to discover more details about this controversial study.

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