Weighing the benefits of daily alcohol intake
UNLESS you have religious or personal reasons, a few drinks or a glass of wine with dinner is usually not an issue. It might even be healthy for you.
A 2018 long-term study, conducted by US National Library of Medicine, found moderate drinkers had lower rates of heart conditions.
The study compared drinkers and non-drinkers, light to moderate drinkers (who imbibed about one to two units of alcohol a day) and found that light drinkers had better health outcomes compared to nondrinkers and heavy drinkers.
They had lower rates of heart disease and heart attacks and lived longer. Moderate drinkers also had lower rates of diabetes.
However, the problem with drinking starts when you begin abusing the substance. According to the definition formulated by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive drinking includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by pregnant women or people younger than age 21.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa say drinking too much alcohol increases health risks such as high blood pressure, heart failure, increased levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, and cancer. Other serious side effects may include heart muscle damage, heart rhythm disturbances and sudden cardiac death. Excessive drinking and binge drinking can also lead to a stroke.
The foundation recommends drinking no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. One drink is equivalent to 340ml beer, 120ml wine, 60ml sherry or 25ml spirits.
In 2018, a World Health Organization report found an estimated 3 million people die every year because of alcohol consumption – that equates to 5% of all deaths. Booze is also a leading risk factor for early death and disability among people aged 15 and 49.
Tips from the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa:
■ Mix drinks in a tall glass with lots of ice.
■ Use low sugar or sugar-free mixers such as soda water, light or diet sodas, sparkling water.
■ Limit the addition of sugary drinks by going half-half with a sugar-free option, for example. cranberry juice or lemonade with half soda water.
■ Rule of thumb: one drink, one water. Stay hydrated by alternating between alcohol and water.
■ Choose singles over doubles
■ Choose low-calorie options such as whiskey, dry sparkling wine, vodka, tequila, light beer, dry red or white or light wine.
■ Spruce up your drink with lime, lemon, orange, berries, cucumber slices or pomegranate seeds.