To Drink Or Not To Drink That Is The Question: How Much Is Too Much

Save to notebook Email article Print article More articles

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We’ve all read or heard about the statistics about the proclaimed and supposed benefits of having a “drink” (mostly red wine to be exact). We’ve also heard the peril potentially also associated with drinking (even a glass of red wine) and how “that” information can seem to counteract that which tells us drinking socially and responsibly is good for our mental and physical health.

So, which is it? After all it can’t be both; or can it?

According to experts alcohol clearly has some blatant benefits when consumed in moderation and socially, including decreasing inflammation and keeping your arteries younger, which translates into a reduction in your risk of stroke, heart attack, and/or wrinkles. However, they assert too much alcohol can actually have the opposite affect and besides impairing your better judgment, affecting your mood and put you at risk for alcohol related accidents it can also increase your risk of cancer and other ailments and diseases.

Still, the “controversy” may arise as to just how much is too much and how much is moderate and social consumption, especially since we all have our own tolerance level (or perceived tolerance level) and our own definition. Statistically speaking, according to authorities, beneficial drinking means one or two drinks (per day) for men and one-half to one drink (per day) for women (regardless of your weight and size, and that doesn’t mean you can skip a few nights and make up for it on the weekend). Furthermore, experts define a drink as 5 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of spirits or 12 ounces of beer. And they add, anything over about two and half servings or drinks daily for men and one and a half drinks for women can be considered detrimental and equivalent of living as if you’re pledging a for a frat house.

Long Island Health, Fitness & Beauty Articles > To Drink Or Not To Drink That Is The Question: How Much Is Too Much