To Drink Or Not To Drink That Is The Question.

 It can become confusing with all the contradictory research findings over the health aspects of alcohol consumption.  

We are bombarded by statements of red wine being good for the heart and in others alcohol is especially bad for women as it increases the risks of getting breast cancer.

Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives that alcohol can have on your health.

Positive Aspects of Drinking Alcohol

 Alcohol has been hyped by many for the health benefits it offers. Here’s a few of them:  

• Alcohol consumption may destroy the harmful bacteria such as Heliobacter pylori which causes stomach ulcers.

• A study has shown that women who have a glass of wine a day tend to gain less weight than women who are on a diet control program.

• Alcohol reduces the risk of acquiring heart disease and peripheral vascular diseases, especially in women. 

• It helps to reduce the plaque formation and cholesterol deposits on blood vessels hence improving the levels of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL).  

• Lowers the risk of gallstone formation.

• Reduces your chances of getting a stroke.

• Reduces the risk of acquiring Type II Diabetes.

• Reduces the risk of acquiring Alzheimer’s disease and other cognition-related disorders.

• Improves digestion if consumed after taking meals.

Please not that the above listed benefits of alcohol consumption are applicable under moderate consumption. Moderate consumption may be defined as no more than 3 - 4 standard drinks per drinking episode, no more than 9 drinks per week for women and 12 - 14 for men.

A standard drink is:

• a 12 oz (355 ml.) beer with 5% alcohol  
• A 5 oz. (150 ml.) glass of wine (12.5% alcohol).
• 1.5 oz. (45 ml.) of 80 proof liquor (40% alcohol).

Negative Aspects of Drinking Alcohol

The World Health Organization says alcohol abuse is the third leading cause of death and disability in the world. A new WHO report says the harmful use of alcohol kills two and a half million people a year.

Alcohol can have intoxicating, toxic and addictive properties when it is drunk in excess. It damages your health and it also can have social repercussions.

Excessive and chronic alcohol use has been associated with damage to major organs and some cancers.  It may be defined as consuming an average of more than two drinks per day for men and more than one drink per day for women.

Below is a list of some of the negative aspects of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol: 

• Suicidal tendencies

• Depressive illness and other nervous disorders.

• Chronic pancreatitis

• Chronic hepatitis (Quite significant).

• High blood pressure

• Heart failure

• Cancers in the regions such as Esophagus, pharynx, esopharynx, oral, gastrointestinal, liver and also increases a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer.

• Miscarriage in pregnancies.

• Increased risk of getting a stroke.

• Obesity.

• Reduces testosterone levels in men.

Keeping in mind the negative aspects of drinking alcohol, we can conclude that alcohol should only be consumed in moderation. Red wine should be favoured above all drinks due to its high antioxidant content. I may be conservative when it comes to drinking alcohol and rarely drink, yet if you feel you enjoy it, limit it to about 2 - 3 drinks a week !