There is a wide variety of products in the market to assist you in losing weight. Many of these products can be quite useful, but as with anything, there are disadvantages as well. Some of the products contain ingredients that might not be suitable for everyone, while some might just be expensive junk food replacements. Regardless, the decision to purchase any dietary supplements or food products should be made with consideration and understanding of the risks and/or potential benefits. In this article, we will discuss the risks and potential benefits of drinking alcohol, and how it compares to other options for those looking to lose weight. We will also discuss how consuming alcohol can affect your health in other ways, so be sure to read to the end.
Alcohol Has Several Risks When Consumed In Moderation
Alcoholic beverages contain a number of unhealthy ingredients, making them a poor choice for anyone concerned about their health. Some of the more significant risks associated with alcohol consumption include:
- Accelerated Aging
- Brain Damage
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Gout
- Hepatitis
- High Blood Pressure
- Mental Disorder
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer’s Disease)
- Osteoporosis
- Prostate Cancer
- Respiratory Disease
- Stroke
- Tumors (Cancer)
In addition to the risks associated with the consumption of regular alcoholic beverages, there are specific health concerns associated with the consumption of gluten-containing alcoholic beverages. The amount of gluten contained in a standard drink is comparatively small, but it is sufficient to cause harm to those with gluten sensitivities. Individuals with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, and thus must avoid all forms of gluten-containing beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. Alcoholic beverages that do not contain gluten pose no significant risks to those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. We will discuss these risks in more detail below.
Avoiding Alcohol Is The Key To Losing Weight
It is well established that drinking alcohol causes you to gain weight, so it would follow that abstaining from alcohol would contribute to weight loss. However, there are many instances where drinking alcohol is entirely nutritionally necessary, or at least beneficial. A number of diseases and medical conditions are directly attributable to alcohol consumption, so abstinence is not always the best way to go. Some of the more significant benefits of drinking alcohol include:
- Anti-Free Radical Properties
- Antioxidants
- Boosts Immune System
- Breaks Down Toxic Chemicals
- Cholesterol Lowering Effects
- Detoxifying
- Mental Acuity
- Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
- Protects Against Parkinson’s Disease
- Protects DNA
- Speeds Digestion
- Stimulates Spleen Function
- Suppresses Cancer Cell Growth
- Triggers Melanocytes (Skin Melanin Production)
- Ultrasound Stimulation
From a health standpoint, it may be best to consume alcohol on a limited basis. This could mean that you have one drink every day or every other day, or you could try mixing vodka and root beer or wine and soda for a drink that is somewhere in the middle. Some people have had great success with this technique. You should consult with your personal physician to determine how much alcohol is safe for you to consume and how you should consume it. In some instances, the answer may be none at all!
Alcohol Has Several Risks, But Also Several Benefits
The fact that alcohol causes you to gain weight does not mean that it is necessarily bad for your health. In many instances, drinking alcohol can be beneficial to your health. A number of studies have shown that modest amounts of alcohol can:
- Decrease the Risk Of Heart Disease
- Improve Cognitive Function
- Protect Against Neurological Disease
- Reduce Inflammation
- Slows Aging
- Stimulate Spleen Function
- Suppress Tumor Growth
- Ultrasound Stimulation
Alcohol has several significant risks, but it also has several significant benefits. It is important to understand the risks versus the benefits in order to make the right decision for you and your health. Many individuals choose to drink alcohol for both its risks and its benefits, which is perfectly acceptable as long as they are aware of the consequences. Some people choose to drink alcohol because it tastes good, and in moderation, this is probably a healthy choice. However, if you are going to drink alcohol, it would be wise to choose a gluten-free option, and as previously mentioned, alcoholic beverages that do not contain gluten pose no significant risks to those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.