The one thing most of us wonder before going on that new healthy diet, is whether we’d have to give up alcohol completely. It’s a valid question, especially for those who indulge in social drinking. If not regulated, drinking can take your hard work several steps back, but not if you’re smart about it. That occasional glass of wine and beer may not be detrimental, in fact there are fair chances that it even be healthy for you.

Let’s start with the most common one, the antioxidants. There is quite a bit of research aroundalcohol and antioxidants and more so with wine and beer. Both wine and beer are supposed to be rich in antioxidants whose benefits to human body are more than one. They are supposed to be great for the immune system, fight the free radicals in the body and even slow down the ageing process. By fighting the free radicals, they help decrease the chances of degenerative diseases like cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s.

Wine is also believed to increase estrogen and other hormones needed for strong bones. Beer contains silicon, traces of which help with the absorption of calcium and other minerals to increase bone density, in turn lowering the risk of osteoporosis.

An analysis of certain previous studies, which was done in 2011 also proved that a pint of beer or a glass of red wine can boost your heart health. The study said that beer and wine in moderation can increase HDL, which is your good cholesterol, keeping your heart healthier. The study went on to say, “Researchers found that people who drank about a pint of beer a day had a 31 percent reduced risk of heart disease”.

Both beer and wine have been also linked to prevention of diabetes, especially Type-2 Diabetes. Regular and moderate consumption of beer and wine alters the way our body reacts to insulin, making it more efficient. Yes, really.

A glass of wine is also said to keep the blood pressure under control. Blood vessels start dilating after one drink, which helps in increasing the blood flow and reduces stress on the heart, hence reducing the blood pressure and keeping it in permissible numbers. The key is stopping at just one to avoid adding stress to the heart which can be counterproductive, leading to an increase in the blood pressure.

So raise a toast to an occasional drink. Here’s to a healthier you!

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