A quite common way to relax after a long day is by enjoying a glass of wine in the evening. The soothing effects that come with consuming varieties like Merlot or Chardonnay can help alleviate stress, and their flavors make a great addition to your dinner. But you may be questioning what impact this daily ritual has on your health — and it's not just you. While professionals from the medical field upheld for years that regular wine intake had manifold benefits for health, new studies show that drinking regularly could have more complex implications.
While specific pros and cons of habitual alcohol consumption continue being dissected by research teams, one crucial point stands - quantity plays a significant role. As stated by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, moderate consumption equates up to two drinks per day for males and maximumly one drink each day in case of females. According to what Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) defines as "heavy drinking," women who consume at least eight drinks per week or men with a weekly intake of 15+ beverages fall under this classification; indulging beyond these boundaries has higher potential risks than possible rewards.
To put it simply, how much wine you are having might dictate its consequences but also assuming moderation holds true, here's an overview of the possibilities when routinely having some vino: read further if poured glasses filled with reds or whites pique more than casual interest! Don't miss out...
Your alcohol tolerance will increase.
Regardless of your alcoholic beverage of choice, consistent intake results in a heightened tolerance. That means you'll need more servings to attain the same effect as before. This happens due to brain receptors getting accustomed to the impact of alcohol over time.
Seeing an improvement in your alcohol tolerance may appear advantageous - maybe it would lower your chances of letting slip an embarrassing comment or finding yourself inadequately clothed, floating in a neighbor's swimming pool at 3 o'clock in the morning. Yet being desensitized to how alcohol affects us can actually produce some unfavorable outcomes. Damage is still inflicted on your cells whether you're conscious of it or not, and there's ongoing deterioration on decision making ability and response speed. In addition, you're more prone to binge drinking just so you can achieve that buzz with which you are familiar.
Increased Alcohol Consumption Could Heighten Your Cancer Risk
Alcohol is part of a smaller subset of foods that may escalate the risk for particular cancers. The National Cancer Institute has asserted through robust scientific agreement that increased alcohol intake amplifies the probability of developing cancers in the head, neck, esophagus, liver, breasts, and colon. This holds true even for those who limit themselves to one drink per day. For those partaking in a daily wine ritual, this revelation might be quite startling indeed - it might encourage sobering up in more ways than one.
Modulating stress levels could be a reason for your red wine preference. It might actually help.
Red wine consumption specifically may assist in minimizing emotional and psychological distress according to some research. A substance named resveratrol, found within it, is said to inhibit brain enzymes which can result in behaviors related to depression and anxiety, as outlined on ScienceDirect. If you regularly enjoy a glass of wine while having an intimate discussion with a loved one or friend - that's even better. Social engagement has been verified as an effective remedy for reducing stress per this publication on SAGE Journals.
However, there are other studies suggesting the contrary: that higher intake of alcohol promotes the production of cortisol, which is known as the "stress hormone". Keep in mind that relying too heavily upon alcohol to manage stress is a risky path. If you're continually resorting to wine as a mechanism to escape from your worries and challenges - it may be time for exploring healthier alternatives.
Potential Weight Gain
Drinking wine definitely isn't free of calories. One standard 5-ounce serving (regardless if it's red or white) typically contains about 120 to 125 calories. If consumed every day, the added calorie count can potentially lead to you accumulating additional weight before you even realize.
Additionally, your body prefers to burn alcohol-based calories over ones that come from macronutrients – which means these unburned calories could be converted into fat more readily. Are you interested in losing some weight but are not ready to say goodbye to your beloved wines? Stay tuned for our tips on doing just this!
Enhanced Cardiac Well-being Could Be Your Reward
Embracing moderate wine intake might save you more than just the trouble of unwinding after an exhausting day. It could be a conduit to improved heart health! A study published in 2023 unveiled that judicious alcohol intake could diminish stress communication within the amygdala, thereby curbing the risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This piece of research aligns with numerous previous studies across several decades, asserting that reasonable consumption of red wine may confer cardioprotective benefits.
Increased blood pressure can be a consequence.
We previously discussed the importance of moderation, didn't we? A minor wine intake may provide heart benefits, but on the contrary, consuming numerous drinks every day affects negatively. As per the American Heart Association, indulging in excessive consumption daily could lead to severe cardiovascular concerns such as high blood pressure and stroke risks. Should you decide to enjoy wine on a regular basis, remember that moderation is key.
