Oftentimes, when we refer to alcohol, we mean the alcohol present in beer, wine, and spirits. These beverages include alcohol, which is what makes you drunk. Alcohol found in beverages is known as ethanol (ethyl alcohol). It is created when the carbohydrates in grains, fruits, and vegetables are fermented by yeast. For instance, the sugar in potatoes is used to make vodka, and the sugar in grapes to make wine.
While excessive alcohol use can lead to weight gain and increase your chance of developing other health issues, it can also have some heart-healthy effects. Alcohol use that is moderate can lower the risk of developing coronary artery disease and the fatalities it brings with it. Your HDL "good" cholesterol may also rise as a result. All alcoholic beverages appear to have some health advantages, but red wine has higher antioxidant levels, including resveratrol, since grapes, especially those with dark skins, are so nutrient-rich.
It's crucial to realize that a good study establishing a relationship between booze intake and better heart health relies on responsible, moderate drinking. You have a higher risk of developing diseases like high blood pressure and excessive triglycerides if you drink frequently (more than the advised daily allowance). Even little amounts of alcohol might cause your triglycerides to rise more if they already are high. As a result, those who have high triglycerides should abstain from drinking totally or do so only seldom.
Alcohol has empty calories and might make you gain weight. If you want to reduce your calorie intake, there are a few strategies you may use. First, replace alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic, non-caloric drinks (a glass of water, seltzer, or club soda). Second, avoid sugary mixers such as additional fruit juices, sodas, sour mixes, and simple syrups because they'll add a lot of extra calories to your drink. Finally, be aware of when to quit. Your barriers may be lowered by alcohol, causing you to eat or drink more than you intended to. Be careful to keep your alcohol use under control for the benefit of your health (and your weight). Moreover, drinking excessively increases your chances of osteoporosis and weakens your bones. In particular, among smokers, drinking alcohol may raise the risk of cataracts. Drinking, especially beer, increases the risk of gout because alcohol hinders the body's capacity to eliminate uric acid. And don't believe that drinking alcohol will assist you with sleeplessness. A few drinks may make you feel tired at first, but alcohol will ultimately result in bad sleep, which is frequently characterized by frequent awakenings during the night.
Drinking in moderation might be beneficial, but not for everyone. You must weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
PDO I Ayesa Gay A. Bejerano, RND
References:
What Are the Effects of Alcohol on the Body?
https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body
What is Alcohol?
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/alcohol/about-alcohol/what-is-alcohol
