You may have felt sick to your stomach and on the verge of fainting, but that time you screeched out the lyrics to Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" at your neighborhood pub may have actually been a benefit to your health (though not to the ears of the crowd).
According to a new study published in "Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research" and The Telegraph, scientists found that the occasional karaoke night with casual drinks can improve heart health and relieve stress.
Doctors believe karaoke with friends eases tension brought on by the workday, and provides patients good social support, especially when they are received well by the crowd.
"After singing, they usually receive applause. It is a good kind of social support, and helps in the face of adverse occasions or stressful events," said Professor Takeshi Tanigawa, at Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan.
While heavy drinking can lead to several adverse health effects, scientists believe light to moderate alcohol consumption can actually reduce a patient's risk of coronary heart disease and lower their risk of having a stroke.
Scientists studied 19,356 men aged 40 to 69 and ultimately found patients who balanced light to moderate drinking with a strong social structure had the highest health benefits.
"Drinking with a good friend appropriately makes you feel happy and healthy," said Tanigawa. "So drink with good friends for health."
To add a comment, please register or login.