I write poems. I’m not a doctor or a scientist.

However, throughout my life there has been study after contradictory study about this or that miracle cure or perfect health enhancer or weight-loss discovery or other such nonsense. One year something will be the ultimate cure-all the next it will be cursed as the root of all evil. Moderate drinking has been shown to have some benefits in some areas in some studies and it also has been shown to be harmful in some areas in some studies. And yet, people have been drinking beer for 10,000 years. The production of beer has a remarkable correlation with the dawn of civilization.

Studies are just studies. Some are well thought out and well conducted. Some are conducted poorly and/or the findings are inconclusive, misunderstood, or misrepresented to fit the agenda of a given group. Some studies can be reproduced, some can’t. Some studies and findings are peer reviewed some are simply propagated in the press without any supporting evidence. No single study should cause anyone to take extreme measures or make extreme changes. It’s a preponderance of studies and fuller understanding of how things work that should drive change.

Just remember that no single food, or drink, or substance, or activity by itself will ever guarantee you a long healthy life. There is no miracle ingredient. No single study will reveal all the answers or perfect understanding.

Living your life based on balance, variety, and moderation is usually the best path for your health. It also just so happens that living your life based on balance, variety, and moderation also makes for the most interesting and fulfilled life. And frankly, I’ll drink to that.