Many of us like a tipple (or two), but according to a neurologist, there's a time limit for when we should cut off the habit.
It's all to do with age and health, says the expert.
Of course, we all know that excess isn't good for anything, whether its food or alcohol, but this neurologist says there's a recommended age limit to be mindful of when it comes to sinking those pints.
If you're picturing a retirement full of boozing, you might want to think twice about that.
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Sure, raising a glass to toast good news is always fun, and many people indulge in a beer to unwind after a long week, but the countdown might be on for you to change your ways if this science is correct.
The theory has been shared by American neurologist Dr Richard Restak.
He published a book in 2021 called The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind.
In it, he shares advice about how to improve our memory as we age, which can often be one of the first things to go.
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Dr Restak addresses the shocking impact alcohol can have on the brain and our memory, revealing that drinking as we age is doing more harm than good as it can have a negative impact on our neurons (nerve cells).
"Alcohol is a very, very weak neurotoxin – it’s not good for nerve cells," he wrote.
When you consider that from the age of 65, your body has less neurons than when you were younger.
The neurologist advises complete abstinence, rather than just cutting down.
"It is essential to abstain from alcohol at a stage in life where preserving neurons is crucial."
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However, some recent studies are challenging this, saying it seems we only lose '2 to 4 per cent' of neurons across our lifetime.
Dr Restak says in an ideal world, we would start to cut down on alcohol from the age of 65, with the aim of abstinence from 70.
He said: "I strongly suggest that if you are 65 years old or older, you completely and permanently eliminate alcohol from your diet."
One of the main benefits of cutting back (or out completely) is that it can reduce your risk of developing dementia.
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The Alzheimer's Society has previously revealed that people who drink to excess face a greater danger of developing the disease.
He also said that the chance of falling while drunk is increased, which can cause serious damage or even death to the elderly.
It doesn't really sound worth it for the sake of a beer.
Topics: Alcohol, Food And Drink, Health, Science
Jen Thomas