Re: Vodka or Beer: What's better for you?
http://www.onlinevodka.net/vodka-health
For centuries, vodka was consumed by people in almost every occasion. Its unique and incomparable flavor has attracted the alcoholics since it was first introduced hundred years ago. As we know, vodka was first used as medicine and later was adapted to consume as beverage. From medical studies, drinking vodka in appropriate amount is good for health, it gives several benefits to human body. However, over consumption of vodka can create undesirable effects. Then it is wise to learn about the benefits and risks of consuming vodka. This is the list of it.
Benefits
Vodka is healing and remedial substance. With its ability,it does a way with the weak and tired. Take a shot of vodka as a nourished drink is abl to return life force more rapid than food.
Vodka plays an important role in numerous wars as an antiseptic, diuretic, antitoxin and sedative substance for solders’ surgeries.
Vodka is diluted alcohol which is widely used as disinfectant.
Vodka can decrease high fever used externally by rubbing onto patient’s body, chest, legs or upper back.
Drinking 30-50 grams of vodka every day, can help protect atherosclerosis and improve blood circulation.
Sometimes a little vodka can help to fall asleep easily.
In the winter people may consume alcohol to stay warm.
Risks
Over consumption results in abnormal liver function.
Over consumption rises in estrogen level which may obstruct sperm development and hormone levels. Alcohol is able to damage sperm producing cells in the testicles.
Over consumption causes muscle weakness, deterioration and depression of the central nervous system.
Over consumption increases the chance of Gastric Cancer.
Some studies claim that over consumption of vodka causes lung cancer cell.
http://www.beverageanswers.com/beer/beer-and-health.html
The health benefits of moderate red wine drinking have been extensively studied. But several recent studies on beer drinking health suggest that the health benefits of beer may be the same, or even more, if consumed in moderation.
At base, of course, both contain alcohol and there is abundant evidence that it can have a variety of beneficial effects.
Alcohol consumption has been associated with higher levels of HDL cholesterol which is the good type. Drinkers also had lower levels of fibrinogen, a protein that promotes blood clots that can lead to stroke and thrombosis.
Overall, several studies, such as one undertaken at the Institute of Epidemiology at the University of Muenster, suggest moderate beer drinking helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Alcohol lowers insulin levels, which aids in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
But the benefits, according to varied studies, derive from more than just the alcohol. A Dutch study from the TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute found a 30% increase in vitamin B6 among beer drinkers. Red wine and gin drinkers gained only half the increase.
In the July 2001 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a study attributed the healthful effects of beer drinking to its folate levels. Folates are thought to help combat cardiovascular disease.
A study undertaken at Harvard, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2001 concluded that moderate consumption helped preserve the mental abilities of older women.
A recent study at Tufts University suggests that beer consumption, whether light or dark, can protect bone mineral density. Thinning of the leg bones is often a problem for the elderly.
Health Risks from Beer
But what about the potential health risks from beer. Researchers are unanimous that pregnant or nursing women should not drink alcohol, since it can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Alcohol can pass through the umbilical cord and through breast milk and affect the brain.
Weight gain can be an issue. Beer has no fat, but alcohol and the residual sugars in beer do contain calories. A glass of beer contains between 150-450 calories, depending on size and type. But that amount is lower by volume than apple juice or a similar glass of red wine.
The key, again, is moderation. Excessive drinking has long been known to cause liver damage, and can stress kidneys.
Beer has no caffeine but studies show that moderate coffee drinking helps alertness, a benefit at work and in driving. Heavy drinking obviously leads to less mental acuity and can increase the risk of traffic accidents as well as those around the home.
Amount is everything. Moderate consumption can be relaxing, reducing stress, a factor in several health issues. Excess drinking leads to drawbacks that outweigh the benefits.
Benefits derive from the alcohol, moderate amounts of B vitamins, helpful amounts of magnesium and selenium and other components. And beer is 90% water, which along with the alcohol helps flush kidneys. The brewing process and the alcohol also help kill bacteria in the water.
Naturally, no single article or study should be taken as definitive. But, limited to one to two 12-oz glasses per day, most studies suggest the benefits far outweigh the risks.
