What will one glass of wine a day do to your body ?
But is a glass of wine a good thing? Research is constantly published on the health benefits of moderate wine consumption. A daily glass of wine can boost your antioxidant levels, increase your "good" cholesterol, and lower your risk of heart disease.However, other studies highlight health risks, including an increased likelihood of certain cancers and some heart problems.
Despite all the contradictions, science will give you an answer about whether this grape drink is good for health, bad or contradictory.
For starters, what is moderate consumption? A standard drink is 14.0 grams of pure alcohol, which usually corresponds to 175 ml of wine (and roughly corresponds to 45 ml of liquor or 350 ml of beer, although differences in strength may vary). Moderate alcohol consumption means drinking up to one glass a day for women and up to two glasses a day for men.
The benefits of drinking a glass of wine a day
Increases the level of antioxidants
Researchers ' interest in wine is largely related to antioxidants. These antioxidants, known as polyphenols, in particular flavonoids and resveratrol, are thought to protect cells and tissues from harm that can lead to various diseases such as cancer and heart disease. For this purpose, red wine is mostly useful.
May reduce the risk of atherosclerosis
A number of studies suggest that the polyphenolic compounds in red wine may play an active role in limiting the onset and progression of atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque accumulates inside the arteries.
Increases the level of "good" cholesterol
Eating one or two servings a day increases HDL cholesterol by about 12%. This "good" cholesterol can help clear the body of bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and reduce the amount of material that clogs the arteries.
Reduces the risk of heart disease
The researchers combined the results of 51 epidemiological studies for their circulation report and found that drinking alcohol can be good for your heart. Drinking 0 to 2 alcoholic beverages a day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by about 20%.
Reduces the risk of heart attack
Meanwhile, in a comprehensive longitudinal study, 38,077 male health care workers who did not suffer from heart disease were observed over a 12-year period. Drinking one to two servings of wine a day, three to four days a week, reduced the risk of a heart attack by 32%.
Good for the intestines
People who drink red wine have a greater variety of bacteria in their intestines than people who drink beer, white wine, cider, or other alcoholic beverages. A diverse gut microbiome is a sign of good gut health. The researchers believe that the large number of beneficial bacteria is due to the large amount of polyphenols in red wine.
Reduces stress and anxiety
One of the polyphenols in red wine, called resveratrol, may protect against symptoms of depression and anxiety. According to the researchers, the compound blocks the expression of an enzyme associated with stress control in the brain.
Reduces the chance of gallstones
Gallstones were less likely in moderate drinkers than in non-drinkers.
Reduces the risk of diabetes
The risk of type 2 diabetes in moderate alcohol users is reduced by 30%. Another major study found that the risk of drinking even less than one drink a day five times a week reduced the risk of diabetes by 36%.
Possible health risks from drinking wine
Drug interactions
Alcohol interacts in potentially dangerous ways with a number of medications, including paracetamol, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, painkillers, and sedatives.
Blocks the absorption of folic acid
Alcohol blocks the absorption of folic acid, an important B vitamin that, among other things, helps build DNA and is essential for precise cell division. Alcohol also inactivates folic acid in the blood and tissues. Perhaps this interaction may be related to how alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer, see below.
Increases the risk of heart palpitations
Frequent consumption of small amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation or abnormally rapid heartbeat. Researchers in Korea examined data from more than 9.7 million patients to find out how many of them had developed heart disease. They found that those who drank every day had the highest risk compared to those who drank alcohol once or twice a week.
May increase the risk of breast cancer
When the amount of alcohol defined as moderate is exceeded, something can go wrong. Numerous studies have shown that too much alcohol can contribute to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and some heartbeat disorders. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, multiple cancers, pancreatitis, neurological disorders, as well as car accidents and addiction.
But even moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. More than 100 epidemiological studies have shown that the risk of breast cancer increases with increased alcohol consumption. A meta-analysis of 53 of these 100 studies found that women who drink more than three drinks a day have a 1.5 times greater risk of developing breast cancer than teetotalers. Overall, the researchers found that for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day (just under one drink), the risk of breast cancer increased by 7%.
But it may reduce the risk of other cancers
However, to make things confusing, numerous studies have shown that alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of renal cell (kidney) cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In a meta-analysis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma studies involving 18,759 participants, the risk of the disease among alcohol drinkers was 15% lower than among non-drinkers.
To drink or not to drink?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that no one is advised to start drinking or drink more often just because of the potential health benefits, as moderate alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and injuries from falls or accidents.
Moderation is the key to success
Alcohol is both a tonic and a poison. The difference is mainly in the dose. Moderate alcohol consumption is good for the heart and circulatory system and protects against type 2 diabetes and gallstones. Drunkenness is the leading cause of preventable death in most countries. In Russia, alcohol is involved in about half of fatal road accidents. And obviously, too much alcohol is a problem.; while those with a personal or family history of alcohol abuse or liver disease should avoid drinking alcohol altogether. Ultimately, a glass of wine offers each of us different benefits and risks. Whether you drink at the end of the day or not, you need to carefully balance these benefits and risks, and it's best to do this by learning as much information as possible and talking to your doctor.
You're welcome!
