Everyone knows that alcoholic beverages are harmful and that their abuse leads to the development of many pathologies.
But scientific research shows that moderate alcohol consumption can have a beneficial effect on a person's physical and mental state.
Does the body need alcohol?
The human body is capable of producing alcohol on its own. It is called endogenous and mainly the intestines and the liver are involved in its production. The production rate is 8-10 g per day. Alcohol regulates the functioning of the nervous system, participates in the production of endorphins, participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, forming a natural psychological defense. In addition, synthesized ethanol increases energy potential and stimulates metabolic processes.
The positive effect of endogenous alcohol on the human body is evident. But many experiments conducted by scientists prove that alcoholic beverages from outside can be beneficial.
Opinion of scientists
The beneficial properties of alcohol are a hot topic that continues to arouse the interest of scientists in many countries. They conduct various studies, during which they study the effect of alcohol on various systems of the human body.
French doctors concluded that alcoholic beverages normalized the activity of the cardiovascular system. American experts have found that older people who sometimes allow themselves a little alcohol are much less likely to experience such a common age-related phenomenon as decreased brain activity.
A forty-year experiment was carried out in Holland, during which more than 1300 people were observed. As a result, it was concluded that those who consumed alcohol in reasonable doses throughout their lives had a longer life expectancy and a lower death rate from heart disease.
However, there is another opinion based on the fact that all the data obtained is nothing more than an error in statistical calculations, and in fact alcohol is harmful even in small doses.
What is a low tolerable dose?
All scientists agree that the benefits of alcohol are only seen in small doses. But the standards vary by region of the world. So, in the UK the permitted dose is 8 ml of pure alcohol per day (i. e. about 18 ml of hard alcohol or 40 ml of wine), in the United States the norm is 14 ml and in Japan- 20.
However, it is strongly advised not to drink alcohol every day. The optimal frequency is 2-3 times per week.
In addition, there is a maximum allowable dose, that is, the amount of alcohol that the human body is able to process. The indicator depends on many factors, including gender, weight and health status. For example, a healthy man weighing 70 kg can drink 170 g of pure alcohol (about 0. 5 liters of vodka) per day. Subject to continuous abstinence from alcohol for at least 8 days, the body will recover from the negative effects of ethanol.
What are the benefits of alcohol in small doses?
The benefits of alcohol lie mainly in the prevention of various diseases. So alcohol in small quantities:
- reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease;
- reduces the likelihood of ischemic stroke;
- reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
Important!It is important to remember that, first of all, the benefits of alcohol are just one of the opinions that not all experts agree with. And secondly, in any case, one cannot rely on the medicinal properties of alcohol and use it as a medicine for existing pathologies.
What makes alcohol harmful?
The advantages and disadvantages of any product, including alcohol, are determined by its chemical composition. Alcoholic drinks are harmful mainly because of ethyl alcohol, which is present in absolutely all alcoholic drinks. The greatest danger is not even the ethanol itself, but the toxic products of its processing, especially acetaldehyde, which, spreading throughout the body, negatively affects all of its systems.
Additionally, alcohol may be harmful due to:
- various chemical additives (flavor and aroma intensifiers, preservatives, colorings);
- large amounts of carbon dioxide in soft drinks;
- Fusel oils found in poor quality drinks and fakes.
And, of course, the damage increases as the dose you drink increases.
Reasons you want to drink
There are many reasons why you want to drink a little alcohol every now and then. Among them is the need to relax and forget about problems for a while, the desire to support the business, the desire to break free, to become more sociable. Naturally, now we are talking about those who drink from time to time, observing the measurement, and not people with alcohol dependence.
But in addition to the psychological reasons listed, there are other explanations for the sometimes need for alcohol. Most often this is due to a lack of substances in the body.
If a person wants to drink alcohol, they don't need to, sometimes it is enough to know what to eat or drink to get the body what it needs.
What to do if the cravings are almost overwhelming?
If you have a persistent urge to drink, you can of course take a small dose, but it is hardly worth drinking alcohol every time in such a situation. Your best bet is to have a medical exam to find out what is causing your strong craving for alcohol.
Interim measures may be the following:
- replace alcohol with other drinks (kvass, natural fruit juices, milk, green tea);
- eat something (red meat, honey, salted cheese, cottage cheese, nuts or seeds, egg dishes).
Communication with family and friends, household chores, sports, interesting activity, reading, going for a walk will help distract from the idea of drinking. If the craving for alcohol persists, it is worth seeing a therapist for professional advice.
What is your body missing if you want to drink?
People often develop an inexplicable craving for products with certain tastes at first glance. Various nutritional abnormalities in pregnant women are very popular. For example, many of them are fond of chalk. This is due to changes occurring in the body resulting in a deficiency of certain substances. A similar situation occurs when you want alcohol - something is probably missing in your body.
The most common are:
- vitamin B deficiency;
- lack of iron;
- silicon shortage;
- lack of protein (the most common explanation if you want vodka);
- micronutrient deficiencies (calcium, potassium, sodium).
After determining which vitamins or minerals are missing, you need to supplement your diet with them by adding products or vitamin complexes containing them.
Can alcoholism develop from low dose daily consumption?
It is very important to remember that the habit of drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, over time can lead to the development of psychological alcohol. And it doesn't depend on the strength of the drink, on the contrary, a seemingly harmless low-alcohol beer is addictive faster than spirits.
The need for alcohol will gradually increase, the doses will start to increase, as will the frequency of consumption. The body will adapt to the regular intake of ethanol, include it in metabolic processes, which will lead to physical dependence, which is very difficult to get rid of.
Can high quality alcohol be harmful to your health?
All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol and therefore constitute a potential health hazard. But drinking high quality alcohol, if it is not healthy, is certainly less harmful. This is mainly due to the lack of fusel oils, which are found in excess in inferior drinks. In addition, less negative impact is due to the low concentration of preservatives and various artificial additives.
Thus, you can minimize the toxic effect of alcohol on the body by consuming premium drinks from a trusted manufacturer in small doses.
Culture of the drink
The culture of drinking alcoholic beverages has a direct impact on the consequences of alcohol consumption for the human body, as it requires a reasonable approach to both the choice of alcohol and the process of consumption. Regulations are enforced which, among other things, help reduce the negative effects of ethanol. These include, for example, consuming small amounts of alcohol.
Vin
Wine is credited with the most beneficial properties of any alcoholic beverage. According to the rules, the drink is drunk a little, taking advantage of the multifaceted aroma and taste. An essential snack, chosen according to the type of drink.
Beer
Real live beer is healthy because of its high content of vitamins and minerals. Beer should be drunk slightly cool, without rushing. Spicy and salty snacks should be preferred over fish or dried meat, cheese, seafood, nuts. It is not recommended to mix beer with any other alcohol.
Cognac
High quality brandy is also called healthy alcoholic drinks. The conditions under which this elite alcohol is drunk are very important. They help you get the most out of the exquisite aroma and rich taste of the drink.
Cognac should be at room temperature. They drink it in small sips. The classic serving option is after the main meal with a cup of coffee and a cigar. It is believed that cognac does not require a snack, but if you wish, you can serve fresh fruit and nuts with it.
Risks associated with alcohol consumption
Regular alcohol consumption leads in most cases to alcoholism, which in turn causes many illnesses. Any organ or system can be affected, but most often develops:
- diseases of the liver (hepatitis, cirrhosis) and excretory system;
- cardiovascular disease (cardiomyopathy, heart attack);
- brain disorders;
- gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcer, pancreatitis);
- pathology of the reproductive system;
- mental and neurological disorders.
Ethanol also increases the risk of developing neoplasms.
If the body craves alcohol, this is an alarming symptom, indicating that a bad habit has turned into a chronic illness.
Conclusion
Drinking can actually be beneficial. But you should not use alcohol as medicine for existing diseases. The main thing is to choose high-quality alcohol, not to overdo it with the frequency of consumption, and remember to adhere to the dosage in order to avoid negative consequences.