In the realm of lifestyle choices, alcohol occupies a unique place. From celebratory to social, its presence is undeniable. But what truly lies behind the glass? In this article, we’ll delve into its potential benefits and drawbacks, and, most importantly, we’ll provide insights on how to thoughtfully integrate alcohol into your daily life.
The Bad
Before you take that first sip of your well-deserved poolside cocktail, it is worth understanding the implications of your actions. Putting aside for a moment the societal cost to families and the public at large due to alcohol abuse, and the carnage drinking wreaks on our roads, alcohol consumption has a physiological cost, too, particularly when drinking to excess.
According to the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the negative effects of alcohol abuse include brain damage, heart damage, liver damage, pancreatic disorders, and an increased risk of certain cancers, and a weakened immune system that opens regular or binge drinkers up to disease. In addition, the term ‘abuse’ can include infrequent periods of binge drinking, not just alcoholism. When consumed in excess, alcohol can also raise blood pressure and triglyceride levels increasing heart disease risk and can leach calcium from the bones (increasing osteoporosis risk.)
The Good
However, there is another side to alcohol, when consumed in moderation. Firstly, it can be a social facilitator. When used responsibly, it helps many people to unwind and relax, particularly in social settings, and this is relevant for active individuals who often end training or racing with social meet-ups.
Additional health benefits, which, are all backed by studies, also link moderate wine consumption to a reduced risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and cataracts, and helps to slow cognitive decline and improve memory. However, it is not just wine that can impart these health benefits. The School of Public Health at Harvard University found that “moderate amounts of alcohol raises levels of high-density lipoprotein, HDL, or ‘good’ cholesterol and higher HDL levels are associated with greater protection against heart disease.
Drinking Guidelines
Very important – If you have hypertension or any pre-existing heart condition, always consult your physician about your drinking habits, especially if you plan to drink in excess.
In addition, for the sake of your waistline, avoid the high-calorie, sugar-laden mixers, also known as alcopops, wherever possible. While these tasty, often refreshing pre-made cocktail drinks are the perfect sundowner or poolside accoutrement, many of these drinks contain in excess of 200 calories per serving. That is reason enough to avoid them, let alone their excessive sugar content. It is also worth mentioning that a few alcoholic beverages can weaken your resolve and lower your inhibitions, which means you are more likely to drink in excess and make poor food choices, among many other potentially embarrassing things. Before you know it, you have had four or five drinks, and have made a few rounds to the snack table. So, rather be prepared with healthy pre-packed food options that you can snack on when you get hungry.
In terms of your drink selection, your preferred spirit with either a sugar-free mixer, still or sparkling water and ice. Avoid fruit juice or carbonated drinks wherever possible. By selecting these options, you will keep your calorie count down while still enjoying all the social and health benefits of an enjoyable and relaxing time.
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