Do you know that when alcohol is consumed in moderation, it could actually do good for the body? Know the benefits and positive effects of alcohol in the body!
People very well know the negative effects of drinking and alcoholism.
A big beer belly is not the only outcome of excessive drinking. It could also lead to a damaged liver, cancer, hypertension, heart attacks, brain damage, behavioral disturbances, accidents, and even death for those who drive while under the influence of alcohol.
However, recent studies show that alcoholic beverages like wine and beer, when taken in moderation, actually has health benefits.
But how much is moderate? According to the American Heart Association, moderate intake is defined as an average of one to two drinks daily for men and one drink daily for women. A drink is equal to 4 oz. of wine, 12 oz. beer, 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof spirits.
A study by Serge Renaud shows that although French and Americans have the same high fat diet, the higher wine consumption of the French is the reason for the lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases, overall morbidity, and mortality.
According to a study conducted by the University Hospital of Zurich, a possible mechanism of how alcohol helps the body is that when it is taken during mealtime, it significantly reduces the proliferation of smooth muscles cells in the arteries by almost 20 percent which is a key factor in the occurrence of arteriosclerosis. Another mechanism is that alcohol and other phenolic compounds found in wine work against the destructive effects of fat during the digestive process by reducing platelet reactivity.
Another study conducted by the Copenhagen University Hospital shows that moderate consumption of wine is linked to reduced risk of stroke. This is due to flavonoids and tannins which are believed to stop cardiovascular disease.
Other studies show that moderate intake alcohol reduces the risk for kidney stones while the anticarcinogenics present in wine like phenol compound resveratrol reduces the risk of cancer. Some studies also show that moderate alcohol consumption is advisable because it reduces insulin resistance. It could also reduce the risk of developing dementia because it maintains blood flow to the brain by limiting clotting and improving cholesterol levels. It is also believed to have a direct effect on the brain because it releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
So alcohol may not be too bad. But always remember, moderation is the key.
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Read more posts from: Heide Lynne Canlas
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