You’ve probably heard that drinking a glass of wine with your meal is good for you. Red wine has long been thought of as beneficial for general health. Some research has suggested that substances in red wine called antioxidants are beneficial for the heart, potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and increase good gut bacteria. However, these antioxidants are also found in other healthy foods like grapes, red grape juice, or blueberries. The truth is that drinking too much alcohol increases your risk for many health problems.

The American Heart Association does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain potential health benefits.

Recommendations for healthy living include:

  • Healthy eating.
  • Lower cholesterol.
  • Control high blood pressure.
  • Manage weight.
  • Get enough physical activity.
  • Stay away from tobacco.

If you do not drink alcoholic drinks, do not start!

If you do drink alcoholic drinks, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of consuming alcohol in moderation.

What is considered as moderate drinking?

  • Two drinks a day for men younger than age 65
  • One drink a day for men age 65 and older
  • One drink a day for women of any age

A drink is 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer, 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine or 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof distilled spirts.

Points to consider when incorporating alcohol into your eating habits

  • If you drink moderate amounts of alcohol but find yourself drinking more and more over time, consider cutting back.
  • Alcoholic drinks contain calories that can lead to obesity and a higher risk of developing diabetes.
  • Alcohol can disrupt sleep and judgement.
  • Alcohol can interact in potentially dangerous ways with a variety of medications.
  • Alcohol is addictive, especially for people with a family history of alcoholism.

If you enjoy a glass of alcohol with your meal keep in mind – moderation really is key when it comes to alcohol being part of a healthy diet.

References

  1. https://www.heart.org/ en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/alcohol-and-heart-health
  2. http://www.eatingwell.com/ article/9674/can-alcohol-be-part-of-a-healthy-diet/
  3. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/drinks-to-consume-in-moderation/alcohol-full-story/
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/ diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281#

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