Alcoholic Beverage: A Potion Or Poison Or Both?

Alcohol consumption is always considered a taboo in Indian society.

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But like everything in nature, alcohol if consumed in moderation may have health benefits too. WHO defines low risk drinking for men and women as 10 drinks or less in week (2 drinks on average/day, but two alcohol free days in a week). Little amounts, preferably during meals appears to be the right way to consume/drink alcohol. Before starting with the pros and cons of various alcoholic beverages, let us discuss briefly about alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is known to the humans from ancient times and basically ethanol or ethyl alcohol is consumed in the form of beverage. Alcoholic beverages are produced by the fermentation of grains, fruits, vegetables and plants. There are a variety of alcoholic beverages available in the market which vary in their raw material and alcohol content and can be broadly classified as beer (2-6% alcohol), wine (40-50% alcohol) and liquor (spirits) (8-20% alcohol). Liquor includes various alcoholic beverages such as cider (4-8% alcohol), tequila (40% alcohol), rum (40% or more alcohol), brandy (40% or more alcohol), gin (40- 47% alcohol), whiskey (40–50% alcohol), vodka (40–50% alcohol), etc. Most people drink for the stimulant effect, however if consumed in excess, it has depressant effect meaning slows down vital functions resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.

Health benefits of wine