Guilty pleasures: Wine or why not?
★ WE will all admit that we have our guilty pleasures.
But which ones should we ditch for the sake of our health?
★ Here, GP Dr Suhail Hussain (right) tells NATASHA HOLT which of our questionable food and drink habits we should try to kick into touch...
A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR IN TEA
Must I quit? Yes.
THE odd spoonful of sugar in your hot drink might not sound like a problem, but bear in mind that your total sugar consumption should be 30g - or seven teaspoons - per day.
“If you have four cups of tea a day, that’s four teaspoons of sugar just in your tea. It’s an easy thing to give up,” says Dr Hussain.
A WEEKLY TAKEAWAY
Must I quit? No.
AFTER a hard week, many of us look forward to tucking into our favourite takeaway. However, recent research has shown that eating one twice a week is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
That said, not all takeaway food is created equal and Dr Hussain believes that as long as it’s chosen carefully, we don’t have to give up this weekly treat just yet.
He says: “Incorporating occasional takeout meals into an overall healthy diet can promote a balanced approach to food consumption. But opt for dishes rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.”
A NIGHTLY GLASS OF WINE
Must I quit? Yes.
ACCORDING to the latest figures, eight per cent of men and five cent of women drink daily. But is a nightly glass of wine really so bad if it’s part of an otherwise healthy lifestyle?
Well, yes, according to Dr Hussain. “Moderate consumption is linked to certain health benefits like improved heart health.
“However, it’s essential to balance these benefits with potential risks, including liver disease, certain cancers and alcohol dependence.
“The recommended maximum alcohol intake
[for the UK] is 14 units per week, and one glass of wine contains approximately
2.5 units, putting you over the limit immediately if you
drink every night.”
ADDING SALT TO MEALS
Must I quit? No.
ACCORDING to research, people who always add salt to their dinner are 28 per cent more like to suffer an early death.
But Dr Hussain thinks the risk can be minimised if you cook from scratch: “While salt is essential for bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Most people consume more salt than the recommended daily limit due to its presence in processed foods.
“Eating freshly prepared meals can help you control salt intake.”
DAILY CAN OF DIET COLA
Must I quit? Yes.
LOW-cal fizzy drinks aren’t going to add nutritional value to our diets but still many regularly drink diet cola.
Dr Hussain says we should quit to improve our health. “Choosing healthier beverages can boost hydration and sleep quality,” he says.
A COFFEE BOOST
Must I quit? No.
REGULARLY consuming more than 600mg of caffeine each day, roughly the amount found in six to seven 8oz cups, has been shown to increase your risk of sleep problems, thinning of bones, anxiety, high blood pressure and stomach acidity.
But in small amounts coffee can have health benefits.
“Regular consumption has been linked to a lower risk of several diseases,” says Dr Hussain. “Consuming no more than three to four cups per day and being mindful of other caffeine sources can help.”
EATING CHOCOLATE EVERY DAY
Must I quit? Not always.
A STUDY suggested that regularly indulging in dark chocolate can cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The bad news, however, is that one bar of chocolate, particularly milk and white, averages 250kcal, which is 10 per cent of a man’s and 12 per cent of a woman’s recommended daily intake.
“Consume chocolate in moderation as it can lead to weight gain and other issues,” says Dr Hussain.