Drinking to one’s health is a common tradition. But it may also be self-defeating: the alcohol that’s part of many toasts can actually harm our health.
Of course, alcohol consumption extends well past toasts. For millions of people, it’s a regular part of the dining experience, social and sports events, celebrations, and milestones. Alcohol plays a key role in many religious traditions. And the alcoholic beverage industry is a major economic force, responsible for around $250 billion in sales annually in the US.