How Much Wine Can You Drink?

HOW MUCH WINE CAN YOU DRINK?

Wine is enjoyable, it puts us in a good mood, keeps us company, and generally improves the quality of a lunch or dinner. But how much can we drink? And how? Let's start by saying, regarding quantity, that the most reliable scientific research converges on one point: the limit threshold, which we must try not to exceed, is that of two glasses a day for men and one glass a day for women. In this way, with a moderate intake of alcohol, we avoid the first risk of excessive wine:weight gain.

THEMario Negri Pharmacological Institute of Milan has carried out the most comprehensive study on risks, in relation to the different types of cancer, of excessive alcohol consumption, a research lasting , involving well 5.700 GuestsWhat are the conclusions? Within the limits of 2 glasses, the risk percentages for well-being did not increase. 13 types of tumors (among these at the stomach, to the pancreas, to the colon-rectum, to the prostate, to the breast, etc…), while once the threshold of 3 glasses is crossed the danger increases between 20 and 30 percent. So the threshold we talked about is confirmed: 2 glasses for men and 1 for women.

Once the roof is clear, to avoid getting close, without giving up the pleasure of wine, just follow these 10 simple tips, which instead concern our lifestyles. As always, health is a matter of balance: if we drink a little more, we can quickly recover with a minimal increase in daily exercise, even if it comes from a very trivial exercise. walk.

ALSO READ: Vinotherapy: all the benefits for your skin. From anti-aging masks to DIY cosmetics.

RECOMMENDED DOSES OF WINE

Physical activity every day. To get an idea of how important it is, even with respect to the pleasure of drinking wine, keep in mind that it is enough just 30-40 minutes of physical activity to dispose of a glass of wine. If you swim, this time is halved. Another source of disposal is the yoga: 10 minutes of activity They allow you to dispose of the contents of a small beer.

Moderation, not overly rigid rules. "You drink water and you enjoy wine”, is the popular saying, which, as often happens, is not wrong. There is no need to create alarmism, nor demonize the most popular drink on our country's tables. Instead of being rigid and avoiding it altogether, it would be better to remember that drinking wine in moderation is not harmful, but rather, can allow us to supplement our diet with polyphenols, very useful for protecting the cardiovascular systemWine, especially red wine, contains phytoestrogens which help reduce hot flashes typical of menopauseSo, within the recommended doses, be calm and enjoy good wine. In moderation.

Drinking balance. If you mix alcohol, for example, starting with a beer and then switching to wine, you're very likely to quickly exceed the threshold. To get a concrete idea of the ceiling, and therefore the balance of your drinks, start with this measurement: the alcoholic unit, which corresponds to approximately 12 grams of ethanolA 125 ml glass of table wine, 11 degrees, corresponds to one alcohol unit; if you increase the alcohol content to 13 degrees, the alcohol unit becomes 1,1. This is the same value as a 330 ml can of beer or a 75 ml glass of alcoholic aperitif (20 degrees). Grappa, cognac, vodka (40 degrees), in the dose of a 40 ml glass, are worth 1,1 alcohol unit. Moderate and responsible consumption should not exceed the thresholds of 2-3 alcoholic units for men and 1-2 alcoholic units for women.Now that you know everything about the specific gravity of your drinks, you can do so with complete freedom. But also with awareness.

Avoid snacking outside of normal hours. This frequent habit hides the risk of excess. Snacking between meals, in fact, almost automatically leads to a drink. Wine, beer or something heavier. It's also a way to throw your diet off track. Avoid it unless absolutely necessary and unless there's a really special occasion.

Avoid overdoing it with cocktails. I cocktail, as we know, are the favorite drinks for an aperitif with friends. They usually have a sweet, fruity, pleasant flavor. They are perfect to accompany appetizers and finger food. With the concrete risk that, while we are nibbling, we exaggerate with the quantity of alcohol, and consequently, with the CaloriesHow to overcome this problem? Always try to keep in mind that not all cocktails are the same, and prefer the sour versions or a spritz. Alternatively, fall back on a nice glass of White wineAvoid cocktails made with cream liqueurs as much as possible.

Have a minimum of discipline. Discipline is essential in everything, especially when it comes to following a balanced diet that promotes well-being. There's no need to endure harsh hardships that make socializing and enjoying yourself difficult; simply pay more attention to your alcohol consumption. The problem is acute, so much so that in the US, the FDA, the public body that regulates public health in terms of food and drugs, has required restaurant owners and bar owners to clearly list the calorie content of drinks on their menus. The solution? Get informed and live consciously.

TO KNOW MORE: Don't waste your health, the rules for a healthy life in this book

WINE AND HEALTH

Watch the scales. One gram of alcohol provides 7 calories, so more than a gram of sugar and protein, which provide 4, and less than a gram of fat, which provides 9. A common misconception is that wine makes you gain weight, but this is an indirect consequence of its consumption. Why? The calories contained in a glass of wine are used first by the body, economizing on those from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Furthermore, alcohol slows the absorption of sugar, which is the main nutrient for muscle activity, thus making it easier to accumulate excess calories that are not burned off. The advice, therefore, is to keep an eye on your weight on the scale so you can take action before it's too late.

Never when you have to drive. Regardless of the latest laws on drunk driving, which are based on the principle of zero toleranceIt's important to know that wine, and alcohol in general, can affect our attention while driving and our reflexes. The barrier of tranquility to keep all reflexes alert and effective is a alcohol level (i.e., blood alcohol content) of 0.5 grams per liter, no more than a glass of wine. It's also important to remember that even small amounts of alcohol can have significant effects on your driving ability.

Decrease in summer, increase in winter. During the summer months, especially if you're on vacation, it's normal to have more opportunities to drink. First and foremost, wine. Don't give up this pleasure, but be aware that summer is the time when you're most likely to drink far beyond your recommended limits. Moreover, the heat makes you sweat and makes your drinks more enjoyable, while in the cold winter, a glass of red wine is an excellent, natural way to warm up. Pleasantly so.

One of the side effects of drinking wine and alcohol is dehydration. Know that alcoholic beverages, all without exception, do not quench thirst, but rather dehydrate the body. The scientific reason is simple: alcohol produces a blockade of the antidiuretic hormone, the one responsible for our diuresis. Therefore: the more I drink alcohol, the more I crave it. Furthermore, 7 grams of alcohol take about an hour to be metabolized by the liver: so a 125 ml glass of wine, which contains 12 grams of alcohol, takes our body almost two hours to eliminate.

Drink slowly. And don't drink on an empty stomach. Aside from the pleasure of deeply savoring the flavor and qualities of a glass of wine, drinking slowly offers a significant advantage in terms of alcohol absorption. Slow drinking facilitates this process and, consequently, the action of oxidizing enzymes that break down alcohol, thus protecting our health.

RECIPES TO ACCOMPANIED WITH A GLASS OF WINE:

Want to see a selection of our news?

Sign up to our newsletter clicking here;
We are also up Google News , activate the star to add us to your favorite sources;
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram e Pinterest.