By the students, for the students of Central Washington University
OPINION%3A+We+should+all+drink+a+little+red+wine

OPINION: We should all drink a little red wine

July 9, 2015

As a college student, “drinking” often times involves exorbitant amounts of alcohol, a nauseating hangover, and a vow to never partake in such activities again. Weight gain and unhealthy lifestyle habits can often be attributed to a student’s introduction of alcohol.

 

Drinking has earned an unhealthy and irresponsible reputation, but there are actually ways that you can make your drinking healthier.

 

Red wine is a magical tonic

 

Red wine is proven to have incredible effects on the human body, when used in moderation. Moderate wine consumption, according to WebMD, is one glass a day for women and two glasses for men. Wine sets itself apart because, unlike other alcohols, wine is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants promote the longevity of life and facilitate proper body functioning.

 

According to an article in Cosmopolitan, the antioxidants in wine lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, therefore reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Wine fights the risk of certain cancer cells, combats osteoporosis, reduces the risk of stroke, prevents cardiovascular disease and lowers the risk of heart attacks.

 

Wine also significantly reduces the risk of brain disease such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. A Columbia University study found that brain function actually declines faster in nondrinkers than in moderate drinkers.

 

Steve Kaab, author of nerdfitness.com, wrote people that have one or two glasses of wine a day are actually expected to be in better health than those who abstain from alcohol altogether.

 

Healthy-ish substitutions

 

If you compare wine, spirits and beer, red wine is by far the best alcohol for your health. However, if you cannot tolerate wine, here is a list of things to remember if you still wish to “drink healthier.”

 

  1.      Avoid energy drinks, soda and cocktail juices. The juices used in most bars are imitated, sugary and extremely unhealthful. Do not make the mistake of believing you are loading up on servings of fruit when you order a vodka cranberry.

 

  1.      Order “on the rocks”. Drinks made on the rocks or with water or club soda don’t add unnecessary calories to your drink. If these methods of drinking don’t provide enough flavor, ask your bartender to muddle lemons or limes in your beverage.

 

  1.      Drink whiskey, scotch or brandy. These liquors also contain antioxidants. As an additional benefit, these liquors also do not contain any carbohydrates – unlike most other liquors.

 

  1.      Limit your consumption. While drinking in moderation has some proven health benefits, those effects are reversed if a person chooses to drink heavily. One ounce of liquor is equivalent to one 12 ounce beer or a six ounce glass of wine.

 

  1.      Drink water in between every alcoholic beverage to combat the effects of dehydration.

It is important to remember that alcohol, in excess, is never healthy for your body or brain functioning. But drinking should not be condemned, because there are actually a lot of health benefits to having a glass of wine at the end of a stressful night.

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