FOOD AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE|POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF DRINKING ALCOHOL

funsowilliams (38)in #food • 7 years ago

Hello, it's lovely to see you again on this blog. I am certain you will learn new things and get to know more about what we are looking at today.

HAVE YOU EVER DRANK ANYTHING ALCOHOL BEFORE?

HAVE YOU EVER PARTICIPATED IN ANYTHING RELATED TO ALCOHOLIC DRINKS BEFORE?. IF YES,THEN YOU NEED TO READ THIS.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages have both the good and the bad side, so in today's we will be looking at the two sides so as to get steemians educated about alcoholic beverages.

Read along pal...........

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

The harmful effects of alcohol are far better known that its beneficial effects. This is scarcely surprising: it requires no training in epidemiology to recognize the devastating harm that often comes with both drunkenness and chronic alcohol abuse. However, findings that have emerged in recent years have uncovered several surprising associations between moderate alcohol intake and enhanced health and well being.

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

1. Accidents, Violence, and Suicide:

It is well established that abuse of alcohol is associated with accidents, violence, and suicide.A major factor contributing to harmful conduct was widespread alcohol abuse, particularly binge drinking, which led to large increases in deaths from accidents, homicide, and suicide, as well as cardiovascular disease.

2. Chronic Alcohol Abuse:

For many people, years of alcohol abuse eventually lead to chronic health and nutritional problems. Alcohol is rich in calories and typically devoid in nutrients, especially alcohol-rich and sugar-rich hard liquors. The body often compensates for the high caloric intake by decreasing the stimulus to eat regular nutrient-rich foods. As a result, there is a high probability of malnutrition, especially of folate and thiamine.

3. Cancer:

Alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.It also acts as a co-carcinogen with cigarette smoke . It is likely that among heavy alcohol consumers, the alcohol or one of its metabolites, acetaldehyde, is toxic to mucosal epithelial cells. Alcohol also increases the risk of cancer of the liver, ovary, and breast.

3.Obesity:

Alcohol, of course, is a source of calories (7 kcal/g). It is important to remember that alcoholic beverages also contain carbohydrates that add additional calories. A half liter of wine contains approx 350 kcal, whereas three cans of beer supply approx 250–450 kcal, clearly enough to tip the energy balance well into positive territory.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

1. Coronary Heart Disease:

A convincing body of evidence suggests that the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) is reduced by 10–40% in persons who consume alcohol in moderation .

2.Blood Pressure and Stroke:

A relatively high alcohol intake (> 4 drinks/d) is associated with elevated blood pressure (26,27) and an increased risk of stroke. Recent evidence from cohort studies suggest that the association between alcohol and hypertension may be J-shaped, such that light and moderate drinkers have a modestly reduced risk of developing hypertension, although the exact mechanism for this effect is unknown.

3. Impotence:

The relationship between excessive alcohol intake and poor erectile function is well known. As Shakespeare wrote: “It provokes the desire, but takes away from the performance” (Macbeth). However, as in the case of alcohol and blood pressure, recent findings have revealed an apparently beneficial effect, or at least no ill effects, of moderate alcohol consumption.

4. Gallstones:

Most studies that have examined this question have reported a protective association between alcohol and risk of gallstones.

5.Cognitive Function:

Findings from the Framingham study, conducted among older adults, suggested that alcohol is associated with enhanced cognitive ability, especially in women . This was seen at an intake of two to four drinks per day in women and four to eight drinks per day in men, an intake above what is usually considered moderate.