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Alcohol: A Friend or a Foe?

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“Here’s to alcohol: the cause of, and answer to, all of life’s problems.”

– Matt Groening

 

It’s true! Alcohol can either cure your headache or make it worse. So, what is the deal with the beer? Every week you may get a new opinion of what alcohol can do to you, aside from having a hangover. Is having wine good or bad? Can beer really help you decrease the risk of heart disease? It turns out the moderate alcohol drinking has been proven to have quite a few health benefits. Let’s check it out.

Health Benefits from Beer:

Reduces the risk of heart disease- much like wine, beer helps reduce the risk of developing heart diseases by thinning the blood to reduce clots. Dark ales and stouts in particular are quite effective in preventing heart diseases.

Prevents osteoporosis- though it is not surprising that milk is not the only way to prevent osteoporosis, a lot of people would be delighted to hear that beer too can help you increase your bone density to avoid osteoporosis.

Helps prevent Type 2 Diabetes- Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people all over the world. Because of its increasing rates, it is a relief to know that alcohol can help increase insulin sensitivity, thereby, reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Prevents cataracts- Beer, specifically stouts, contain high levels of antioxidants (though this may differ depending on the quality and brand of the beer) that prevent mitochondrial damage. The mitochondria is found inside the cell and is responsible for creating ATP which powers the cell. It is said that damage to the mitochondria can lead to cataracts.

Relieves stress- studies show that alcohol intake can increase dopamine levels. Dopamine is a substance produced by the brain that makes you calm and relaxed. Numerous studies also show that alcohol consumption can also reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Health Benefits of Wine

Wine is a natural Immune Booster– Though you should not stop drinking your vitamins, drinking a glass of wine daily can help you prevent infections. Wine strengthens your immune system.

Increases bone density- like beer, wine contains a silicon like substance that increases bone density. This will help you reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

It makes you smarter- This may come off as a joke but studies show that drinking wine improve brain function. Chemicals in the wine stimulates the brain and prevents the neurons from dying. Because of these chemicals, you can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

Negative Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol, may it be in the form of wine or beer will have its pros and its cons. Aside from a nagging pain and waking up in a bed that you don’t recognize, over consumption of alcohol can lead to liver diseases. Though drinking moderately can help you avoid heart diseases, binge drinking can do the exact opposite. It can increase your blood pressure and can cause some serious damage to your heart.

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