Gwyneth Paltrow said she drinks Japanese whisky in the bath every night — here's why that might be a bad idea

• Gwyneth Paltrow told the Evening Standard she drinks every day of the week.

• Her drink of choice is Japanese whisky, which she enjoys in the bath.

• A few studies show apparent benefits of drinking in moderation.

• But according to a large analysis recently published in the Lancet, there is no safe amount of alcohol.

• The potential benefits of alcohol are not well understood yet, but what is clear is that drinking in excess can cause many health issues.

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The dangers of alcohol are well documented. People are recommended to avoid drinking more than 14 units a week, and to have at least a few days out of seven going alcohol free.

In the short term, drinking heavily can increase your risk of accidents, and in the long term, it is linked with liver disease, pancreatitis, and several different cancers. But a few studies in recent years have shown apparent benefits of drinking in moderation, such as a reduced risk of stroke, or diabetes.

Gwyneth Paltrow may be one of the people who seeks such benefits.According to the Evening Standard, she is a "seven-days-a-week drinker," because she always likes "to have a little something."

Her tipple of choice is apparently Japanese whisky, which she drinks in the bath.

The Guardian reports that Japanese whisky has been shown to have high levels of the antioxidant ellagic acid. This could mean it helps protect the body against inflammation and cancers - but the evidence is limited. Also, these sorts of compounds are absorbed faster by the body when they come from whisky, rather than wine. But it's unclear whether they actually have any medicinal effects.

Despite studies claiming drinking moderately may be the key to a longer life, may increase male fertility, and even make you call in to work sick less, government guidelines do not recommend drinking for the sake of any health benefits.

In fact, recent research, published in the Lancet, concluded there is no safe amount of alcohol. And even one extra glass of wine a week, according to another study, could shorten your life by 30 minutes.

As for whether Paltrow has her full glass of Japanese whisky for the potential health benefits, or she simply just likes the taste, who knows. But if you're thinking of adding an extra night cap to your own daily routine, evidence suggests this might do you more harm than good.