Many adults enjoy wine as part of their nightly routine, whether it’s to complement home-cooked meals, to unwind after a busy day, or simply as a routine. The health effects of wine depend on how often and how much it is consumed. That is why drinking wine and other alcohol has both positive and negative long-term consequences.The good news is that wine can be part of a healthy lifestyle if enjoyed in the right amount. 5 Possible Long-Term Side Effects of Drinking Wine.
weight gain
Excessive calorie consumption of all kinds, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats and alcohol, can lead to weight gain. Fat contains 9 calories. This makes alcohol higher in calories than other macronutrients. In addition, alcohol is often combined with other calorie-containing ingredients. Sodas, juices, and simple syrups are just a few of the sugary mixers that are frequently used with alcohol. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that popular drinks such as margaritas can easily contain over 300 calories in one serving.
Alcohol is also absorbed differently in the body compared to macronutrients. Since alcohol is considered a toxin, the body prioritizes its metabolism over other nutrients, which can reduce the amount of body fat burned and make weight management more difficult.
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hormone
Hormones are like chemical messengers in the body that move through the bloodstream and carry instructions to various tissues and organs. With a wide range of functions, these essential compounds make up the endocrine system that controls metabolism, growth and development, stress, and reproduction, just to name a few.
One study suggests that chronic heavy alcohol consumption interferes with communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, which can lead to hormonal disruptions with worrying consequences. . Because hormones function within so many body systems, hormonal disruption can affect reproduction, mental and behavioral health, immune function, and more. It is important to note that up to a glass is defined for women as up to one drink per day. Many of the observed hormonal abnormalities were associated with alcohol consumption in excess of recommendations. That’s better for your health than drinking more.
sleepy
Consistent and long-term wine consumption can have a negative impact on sleep quality, as alcohol has a significant impact on sleep quality. It may also induce nausea and drowsiness. In some cases, this may help someone fall asleep faster, while others may experience a delay in falling asleep. Disorders and poor sleep quality are more likely to occur. Lower alcohol consumption may not have much of an effect on sleep quality, but high alcohol consumption (2 or more drinks per day for men and 1 or more for women) may have a negative impact on sleep quality. A 39% drop is possible.
According to Harvard Medical School, lack of sleep, whether alcohol-related or not, can lead to serious conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and premature death.
heart health
A little caution is needed here when discussing how alcohol affects the cardiovascular system.The amount of wine consumed determines its effects on heart health. Some studies have shown that moderate wine consumption is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), while chronic heavy alcohol consumption leads to alcoholic heart disease, a condition that leads to heart muscle weakness. Some studies show that it can cause cardiomyopathy. .
The reason red wine in particular has a positive impact on heart health is thought to be due to its high levels of antioxidants such as flavonoids and resveratrol.These compounds improve blood lipid profiles such as cholesterol. and is thought to severely affect the body’s ability to utilize carbohydrates and reduce insulin resistance, a risk factor for diabetes. And while it can lead to these positive outcomes, drinking more wine can actually reduce your heart health.
liver health
This vital organ is responsible for the breakdown and metabolism of nutrients and compounds in the blood. This includes detoxification to convert alcohol into substances that are less harmful to the body. There are three main forms of liver disease, all of which can be caused by chronic, excessive alcohol consumption. Fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis constitute different types of liver disease that can severely affect the proper functioning of the liver. Meeting a moderate drinking threshold is essential to support the health of
All forms of alcohol, including wine, can have health effects when consumed in large amounts and over a long period of time. , and may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation to be safely included as part of a healthy lifestyle.
