The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol is one of those things that must be used in moderation. Otherwise, terrific benefits turn into dangerous liabilities. When life is hard and at countless other times, an alcoholic beverage is a splendid pick-me-up. However, restraint is imperative. It helps to know the good, the bad, and the ugly of drinking alcohol.
The Good—Benefits of Alcohol
No one probably has to tell you what the obvious benefits of alcohol are. For instance, alcohol makes socializing and lovemaking more pleasurable. It can also minimize the pain associated with tackling unpleasant tasks and activities. Scientists did research which confirmed what so many already know: Drinking alcohol makes people happy. Here are a few more benefits of alcohol with moderation:
- Red wine can help prevent heart disease, assist with managing weight loss, and strengthen the immune system. In addition, the antioxidants in red wine can reduce by 60% the chance of your getting a cold.
- Men and women both experience health benefits related to sexual activity, with moderate wine drinking. Men are a shocking 25% to 30% less likely to develop erectile dysfunction, by drinking wine. The same spirits heighten a woman’s sexual desire.
- A glass of wine or two every evening is proven to help people live longer than those who drink wine less frequently or not at all.
- Red wine improves muscle strength and heart function and enhances performance during exercise.
- White wine can also help with weight loss because it has a higher antioxidant count than red wine.
- Beer contains some valuable vitamins, such as thiamin and riboflavin, and it has high levels of calcium and magnesium, as well.
- Beer can slow down the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- Vodka provides heart-to-lung-connection benefits.
- Tequila shots can help you lose weight.
- It’s not a myth that whisky can help a sore throat. Mix it with honey and warm water, for temporary relief.
- Drinking alcohol can sooth sore muscles, taking the sting out of exercise.
The Bad—Health Risks of Alcohol
When the scale is tipped and drinking becomes excessive, imbibing in wine, beer, or liquor becomes a major health threat. The risk of serious health problems is worsened by drinking more than the prescribed amount. For example, if women drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, and if men drink four daily, the quantity is in the “heavy drinking” column. Binge drinking is also very problematic. Excessive drinking increases the risk of developing serious health problems, such as the following:
- High blood pressure
- Certain cancers, such as cancers of the mouth and throat or breast cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Damage of the heart muscle, leading to cardiac failure
- Stroke
- Liver disease
- Accidental serious injury or death
- Sudden death, if you already have heart disease
The Ugly—Out of Alcohol
Once you hop on the wagon and recognize the benefits of drinking alcohol with moderation, the ugly part is when you run out of wine or discover that your vodka bottle is empty. It’s one thing to fall off the wagon as an excessive drinker. It’s another thing altogether to fall behind on keeping your wine rack and liquor cabinet properly stocked. That is the ugly.
