How much alcohol is right for you
September 16, 2008
Most men drink alcohol. It is a man thing. But, do you know how much alcohol is right for you? When is alcohol too much for you? What may be normal quota for you could turn out to be over the bridge for someone else. Drinking can be healthy if taken in moderation otherwise it could cause a lot of serious diseases like cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, reduced fertility or even brain damage. With so many risks involved in that little glass of careless drink, don’t you think you need to find out how much is best for you?
Different kinds of drinks come under the umbrella of alcohol. There is beer, wine and of course, other drinks like champagne, whisky, rum and gin. While some studies suggest that two to three drinks per day for men and one to two drinks for women every day is the standard drink pattern for normal drinking, there are other surveys that state that two drinks for men and one drink for women is what is just right. Of course, it also depends on the amount of alcohol content in the drink itself. Dark beer is said to be healthier than light beer because it is rich in flavonoids that possess antioxidant elements. Similarly, red wine is better than white wine because the antioxidant resveratrol in it reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The moment you feel that the drink has gone to your head or you suffer a severe hangover from last night’s binge then you know that you have crossed the line. Doctors suggest that you take just a few pegs every day and not reserve it all for one binging session at a party or a weekend. This could prove to be dangerous.
While heavy drinking could harm your heart and even cause a stroke, drinking in moderation can be beneficial in reducing blood clots, increase good cholesterol and also reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. But, this is for people who have been drinking for long. Those who have not begun drinking would be advised to consume fresh, fruits and other vital supplements to get the benefits instead of starting fresh on alcohol.
Finally, a few precautions. Men under 21, recovering alcoholics, men taking medication and those planning to drive should stay away from alcohol. Diabetics must also keep off from beer and wine as they tend to increase the insulin levels. Remember, drinking is not bad if you know where to draw the line. This will save you from disease, alcoholism and accidents.
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