We all have heard how bad alcohol is for your body and how it damages one’s liver and leads to numerous health problems. But, have you ever heard how alcohol can be beneficial for you?
This is a new one, right? Yes. Alcohol has some health benefits for your body, but before you jump in and drink a bottle of vodka at 9 a.m, it is important to note that it is only beneficial when consumed in smaller quantities.
We mean 1 drinks a day for women and 2 for men. One drink can include 12 ounces of beer (355 ml), 5 ounces of wine (148 ml ) or 1.5 ounces of liquor (44.3 ml).
If you continue to drink after the recommended amount, the benefits start lowering and the risks start increasing.
Now, that we have warned you, let’s discuss the benefits alcohol holds for us:
1. Live a longer life
Some research shows that drinking moderately can increase one’s life span and helps one live longer. It was found out that drinking moderately throughout the week was better than binge drinking and showed a 25% reduced risk of mortality. According to a 2018 study published in the journal PLOS Medicine, people who drink in moderation are less likely to die young than those who abstain from alcohol entirely.
2. Reduce the risk of heart failure
Binge drinking can cause serious heart problems, but moderate drinking can reduce the risk of heart failure. It was found that moderate drinking reduces the chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or hardened arteries by 25% to 40%. This could be due to the fact that small amounts of alcohol can increase high-density lipoproteins cholesterol levels (HDL) which is good for the body.
3. It prevents kidney stones
People who drink regularly but moderately are at a lowered risk of getting kidney stones. It is because alcohol makes us pee more often, therefore keeping our kidneys clear of any crystals that later on form stones. It is important to note that drinking excessively can lead to dehydration that increases the risk of kidney stones. So, it is important to drink moderately and keep your body in check.
4. Maintains good mental health
Apart from the physical benefits of moderate drinking, there are some psychological benefits of drinking as well. It was found that people who drink moderately are happier and carefree. Drinking with friends also increases one’s mood and allows them to be more social and in turn happy in their social and personal life.
