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Studies show that moderate drinkers are
generally healthier than those who do not drink and those who drink
excessively. Research indicates that moderate alcohol consumers have
fewer heart attacks and strokes and have less incidence of conditions
such as high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, cognitive
disorders such Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, diabetes, arthritis,
osteoporosis, kidney stones, digestive ailments, stress and depression,
hepatitis A, pancreatic cancer, gallstones, liver
disease, etc. The list goes on.
Here's what your favorite beverage can
do for you. Remember, moderation is the key.
Beer:
Heart Disease: In
1999, the University of Texas at Dallas reported that those who drink
moderate amounts of alcohol are less likely to suffer from coronary
heart disease by 30-40%, compared to those who don't
drink at all.
Vitamin B6: Beer
provides a 30% increase in vitamin B6 into the blood plasma -- something
that neither wine nor any other liquor can do - which prevents the
build-up of the amino acid homocysteine. People with high levels of
homocysteine are usually more prone to an early onset of heart and
vascular disease.
Stroke: In November of
1999, The New England Journal of Medicine stated that those who drank
beer moderately were 20 % less likely to suffer a stroke.
Bones: Research at
King's College and St Thomas's Hospital in London because beer is one of
the richest sources of silicon, one pint a day supplies a person with
20% of the average daily intake of silicon, which may be one of the most
effective ways for young people to help keep their bones strong
Relaxation: Beer has a
relaxing effect on the body, resulting in less stress and better sleep
patterns.
Elderly: It has been
proven that beer helps promote blood vessel dilation, sleep, and
urination, particularly among the elderly.
Vodka
Disinfectant: Doctor
Valery Myakin, head doctor in Moscow's Narkolog rehabilitation
center, says vodka can be used as a disinfectant, since it is
essentially diluted alcohol. He says that when doctors or medical
supplies are not within reach, vodka might be a more readily available
alternative to treat a wound.
Fever: Since alcohol
evaporates faster than water, a fever could be reduced by rubbing vodka
onto one's body.
Blood Vessels: Doctor
Myakin said that up to 50 grams of vodka a day can actually be
beneficial: “Small amounts of quality vodka can help prevent
atherosclerosis,” he said. Atherosclerosis is a disease that affects
our arterial blood vessels.
Stomach Sensitivities:
Because vodka is so highly distilled, consuming it in small doses could
tackle conditions such as thrush, candida and irritable
bowel syndrome.
Hangovers: One
scientific analysis found that vodka had only a small fraction of the
content of the toxic alcohol methanol. This, combined with the fact that
vodka has virtually no colouring or flavouring chemicals, reduces your
chances of getting a bad hangover.
Gin
Preventing water retention:
The juniper berries, found in gin, have a diuretic action, which results
in the likelihood of passing more water. Juniper berries were originally
used as a herbal remedy for diseases of kidneys and liver.
Arteries: Researchers
discovered that drinking
moderate amounts of gin could reduce inflammation in the blood, which
has been linked to artery-clogging plaque buildup and heart disease.
Arthritis: The
consumption of homemade gin-soaked raisins has become a popular folk
remedy for arthritis. It's not scientifically clear how or why it works,
but many people swear it relieves arthritis
pain. It involves pouring raisins into a bowl and
letting them soak in gin for about two weeks. Roughly nine of these
raisins are to be eaten each day to help with arthritis pain.
Whiskey
Cells: Whiskey
contains plant compounds which protect the body's healthy cells. These
come from the oak barrels in which whisky is stored during maturation.
Heart Disease: A study
in the British Medical Journal found that in small doses , whiskey could
help protect against heart disease, strokes and cataracts.
Cancer: In 2005, a
scientific conference in Glasgow revealed that the ellagic acid found in
whiskey could help fight cancer. This acid, which is also found in soft
fruit, supposedly absorbs rogue cells in the body.
Sleep: Whiskey as a
hot toddy is often recommended by doctors to help induce sleep.
Sore throat: It is
believed that adding a spoon of honey and lemon to whiskey can help
soothe a sore throat.
Sherry
Arteries: According to
scientists at the University of Seville, sherry contains polyphenols,
which is believed to reduce the risk of coronary
artery disease.
Cholesterol: Sherry
increases the body's production of "good" cholesterol, which
helps the body get rid of potentially harmful cholesterol.
Brandy
Vitamin C: Because of
the high level of antioxidants produced during the distilling process,
scientists claim that 30ml of good brandy would give the equivalent
antioxidant potential as the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
Heart Attacks: French
research has shown that a regular dose of brandy can reduce the
potential of heart attacks and clots from occurring.
Guinness:
Heart Disease:
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that because Guinness
contains antioxidants - similar to those found in fruit and vegetables -
a daily pint of Guinness with a meal reduces the chances of cardiac
attacks, as well as heart clots.
Bailey's
Intake: Though it has
high alcohol content, and saturated fats, its sweetness may restrict
alcohol intake. The cream will also slow down the absorption of alcohol
compared to non-mixer drinks.
Wine
Heart Disease:
Research shows that red wine is beneficial to your heart health. It is
believed that the antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red
grapes provide protection to the heart.
Cancer: Research
scientists in North Carolina discovered a chemical found in red wine
which helps to fight cancer. The chemical, called trans-Resveratrol, is
found in grapes, mulberries, raspberries, peanuts, muscadine grapes,
including scuppernongs, and many other fruits and nuts.
Joints: According to
studies at the University of Milan, white
wine contains tyrosol and caffeic acid, which
partially suppress the inflammatory reaction that occurs in conditions
such as rheumatoid
arthritis.
Japanese researchers found that while
grape juice has antioxidative benefits similar to wine, it does not
significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to red wine.
Cider
Iron: Scientists
suggest that a pint of cider, sweet or dry, supplies a person with one
fifth of the recommended daily allowance of iron. Vintage cider has
slightly less.
It is worth emphasizing the importance
of moderation when discussing the benefits of alcohol
consumption. Most researchers in the field define moderation as one or
two servings per day. Over-consumption of alcohol can be detrimental to
one's physical and mental health. If you don't drink now, don't' start.
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