The active ingredient in alcohol is Ethanol. Ethanol is produced by yeast when they digest the sugar in certain carb-rich foods, such as grapes (wine) or grains (beer). It can have very powerful effects on your mood & mental state.
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver & frequent consumption can lead to increased fat inside Liver cells. Alcohol abuse can lead to Cirrhosis, a very serious condition.
While alcohol intoxication is only temporary, chronic alcohol abuse can impair brain function permanently. However, moderate drinking may have benefits for brain health, especially among elderly people.
Alcohol abuse & depression are linked. People may start abusing alcohol due to depression or become depressed from abusing alcohol.
The evidence on alcohol & weight gain is mixed. Heavy drinking & beer are linked to increased weight gain, while moderate drinking & wine are linked to reduced weight gain. Moderate alcohol consumption is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but heavy drinking appears to increase the risk. Moderate alcohol consumption may reduce symptoms of Type 2 diabetes by enhancing the uptake of blood sugar by cells.
Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of certain types of Cancer, especially mouth & throat.
Alcohol abuse is one of the world's most common causes of Birth defects. The fetus is particularly vulnerable early in pregnancy.
Moderate alcohol consumption may increase life expectancy, while alcohol abuse is a strong risk factor for premature death. Alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependence or alcoholism. In predisposed individuals. Chronic alcohol abuse can have severe detrimental effects on your body & brain, increasing the risk of all sorts of diseases.
What you drink matters less than how much you drink. Red wine appears to be particularly beneficial because it is very high in healthy antioxidants.
For some segments of the population, alcohol can lead to many health problems. Those who should not drink are Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women, Women at risk for breast cancer, People with family histories of alcohol abuse, Children & Adolescents, People taking medications that can interact with alcohol, those with health conditions such as Liver problems or ulcers, anyone requiring skill or coordination to perform a task.
Alcohol's Advantages if taken in moderation: Moderate drinking can raise levels of "Good Cholesterol " which helps prevent harmful blood clots & keeps blood flowing smoothly through our bodies, reducing risks of heart attack & stroke.
Moderate drinking can increase Insulin sensitivity, which can reduce the risk of diabetes, among other things. But the empty calories in alcohol can be a problem, as there is a link between type-2 diabetes & excess weight. Research also suggests that women who enjoy a little alcohol may be more likely to keep their minds.
Drinking moderately could add a few years to your life. Little amounts, preferably red wine during meals, appears to be the right way to drink alcohol.
Alcohol can improve your libido. Moderate drinking might protect against erectile dysfunction.
Alcohol (red wine) helps prevent against the common cold, due to its antioxidant properties.
Moderated drinkers are less likely to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease & other forms of dementia. The small amount of alcohol might, in effect, make brain cells more fit. Alcohol in moderation stresses cells & thus toughens them up to cope with major stresses down the road that could cause dementia.
Drinking two units of Alcohol per day can reduce the risk of gallstones by one-third.