by Eric Blair |
Excessive consumption of alcohol is bad for your health but what are the help benefits associated with moderate consumption of alcohol.
For many adults, alcohol is the next best liquid only coming after water on a scale of importance. Alcohol has also been blamed for some of the most vicious crimes and accidents which occurred as a result of the abuse of the substance. This has made people develop the perception that alcohol can only cause harm and should be avoided at all cost.
In fact, some argue that the substance should be banned or price increased to levels that will discourage the consumption of the substance however, though it may sound shocking to you, alcohol actually has some benefits which are often overshadowed by the dark side of alcohol use. Here, we explore some of the benefits of alcohol consumption.
In fact, some argue that the substance should be banned or price increased to levels that will discourage the consumption of the substance however, though it may sound shocking to you, alcohol actually has some benefits which are often overshadowed by the dark side of alcohol use. Here, we explore some of the benefits of alcohol consumption.
Now we do not encourage anyone to get wasted daily on alcohol because of the benefits we are about to discuss. Misuse of the substance could in fact lead to early death if it is consumed excessively so it is important to consume alcohol moderately to support good health and reap the benefits we are about to discuss below.
It is great for having a good time – before we list the health benefits of consuming alcohol we have to highlight the reason why most people consume alcohol. Alcohol can be described as a social facilitator in especially awkward situations.Hypothetically, everyone in a room gets introduced to each other for the first time and to create a friendlier atmosphere, alcohol can serve as a highly effective ice breaker substance. In fifteen minutes after the first sip of alcohol, communication between everyone in the room gets more engaging which could turn a horrible night to a great night in a matter of minutes. The problems in the world begin to weigh less on the heart giving many the chance of having a good time. Having a good time can be a great stress reliever thereby reducing the health risks associated with stress.
Reduces the risk of heart disease – Based on the findings of a Harvard study, Alcohol raises the levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in the body and a higher level of HDL protects the heart against diseases. It is important to note that moderate consumption of alcohol has been linked to benefits in terms of increasing the sensitivity of the body to insulin and improvements in blood clotting. Preventing small blood clots that could obstruct the flow of blood around the body reduces the chances of getting heart diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Hence, moderate consumption of alcohol is highly beneficial to the heart.
Reduces the risk of heart disease – Based on the findings of a Harvard study, Alcohol raises the levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) in the body and a higher level of HDL protects the heart against diseases. It is important to note that moderate consumption of alcohol has been linked to benefits in terms of increasing the sensitivity of the body to insulin and improvements in blood clotting. Preventing small blood clots that could obstruct the flow of blood around the body reduces the chances of getting heart diseases like heart attacks and strokes. Hence, moderate consumption of alcohol is highly beneficial to the heart.
It could add a few years to your life – a study by the Catholic University of Campobasso revealed that moderate alcohol consumption could reduce the risk of death by 18 per cent. Based on the findings, consumption of alcohol preferably during meals especially wine could extend life cutting the risk of an early death.However, the study also suggests that for the rest of the day, alcohol consumption should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Improves libido – Erectile dysfunction affects many men in the world today and based on a study published in the journal of sexual medicine, researchers found that the problem of erectile dysfunction is reduce by 25 to 30 percent for those who drank alcohol. It is also important to note that the study does not encourage men to drink excessively however, based on the findings on 1,770 men in Australia, alcohol consumption could reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Reduces the chances of developing the common cold – According to the department of psychology at the Carnegie Mellon University in 1993, consuming alcohol at moderate levels reduced the changes in common cold cases excluding those that smoke cigarettes. For the smokers, the chances of developing the common cold increased. Later in 2002, the findings of the previous study was supported by the findings of Spanish researchers who found that eight to fourteen glasses of wine per week, especially red wine, could reduce the risk of the common cold by up to 60 per cent.
Reduces the risk of diabetes – According to a Dutch study on alcohol consumption people who moderately drink alcohol are at a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who abstain from alcohol consumption. The findings in the study concluded that moderate consumption of alcohol could be added into a healthy lifestyle to help reduce the risk of developing diabetes type 2.
[Source: Medical Daily]
Improves libido – Erectile dysfunction affects many men in the world today and based on a study published in the journal of sexual medicine, researchers found that the problem of erectile dysfunction is reduce by 25 to 30 percent for those who drank alcohol. It is also important to note that the study does not encourage men to drink excessively however, based on the findings on 1,770 men in Australia, alcohol consumption could reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Reduces the chances of developing the common cold – According to the department of psychology at the Carnegie Mellon University in 1993, consuming alcohol at moderate levels reduced the changes in common cold cases excluding those that smoke cigarettes. For the smokers, the chances of developing the common cold increased. Later in 2002, the findings of the previous study was supported by the findings of Spanish researchers who found that eight to fourteen glasses of wine per week, especially red wine, could reduce the risk of the common cold by up to 60 per cent.
Reduces the risk of diabetes – According to a Dutch study on alcohol consumption people who moderately drink alcohol are at a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who abstain from alcohol consumption. The findings in the study concluded that moderate consumption of alcohol could be added into a healthy lifestyle to help reduce the risk of developing diabetes type 2.
[Source: Medical Daily]
So now you know the health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption. Please leave your comments below. Cheers.