By Life Quotes, Inc. Staff

From a life insurance perspective, alcohol consumption can have both its good and bad points. After all, researchers have found that having a glass of wine or beer on a regular basis can help lower one’s risk for a number of serious medical conditions.

On the other hand, excessive alcohol consumption can significantly impair one’s health and life expectancy, while also potentially increasing their chances of being involved in a significant car crash.

A recent Gallup poll made news with its finding that 67 percent of Americans now say they consume alcohol on occasion. That figure was the highest recorded by the polling organization since 1984. Back in 2005, the figure hovered closer to 64 percent.

While 72 percent of those under the age of 54 said they were occasional drinkers, only 59 percent of people aged 55 and older said the same thing.

Those who believe their alcohol consumption could be undermining their health have numerous reasons to try to cut back. Long-term alcohol abuse can substantially damage the liver while contributing to a number of other chronic medical conditions.

This article was originally published by Life Quotes, Inc.