The downsides of wine-ing down
A sobering look into the health hazards of wine
Throughout history, wine has held a lofty position in the hearts of people across the globe. Singapore has since emerged as one of the “brighter spots in the premium wine universe” as the consumer base for wine grows each year.
Uncorking wine’s health benefits and risks
Does a glass of wine a day truly keep the doctor away? This claim raises questions about its health benefits.
There are various known advantages of wine such as:
- Improved heart health
- Reduced bad cholesterol
- Lowered risk of depression and anxiety
However, healthcare providers don’t actually recommend drinking red wine for heart benefits. In the Singapore Burden of Disease Survey, nearly 28% of hospitalisations for liver cirrhosis were alcohol-related. Wine can also be high in calories and sugar, with some wines exceeding the daily recommended limit of sugar and containing more calories than a hamburger.
Excessive consumption can lead to:
- Long-term memory loss
- Liver damage
- Increased risk of cancer and addiction
It’s worth mentioning that drinking a "glass" may not indicate moderation.
The recommended guidelines for moderate wine drinking are:
- Up to one serving (150 ml) per day for women
- Up to two servings (300 ml) per day for men
A heart-to-heart conversation with wine
Perhaps one of the most shocking associations with wine consumption is its potential link to heart diseases. Excessive alcohol consumption, including wine, heightens the risk of developing high blood pressure, which puts strain on the heart and can increase the build-up of plaque in blood vessels. This can lead to blocked arteries that supply blood to vital organs, causing heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
It’s easy to get carried away drinking at home or when dining out with wine pairing options made so easily available.
To practise responsible alcohol consumption:
1. Set a limit on the number of drinks you have
2. Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during drinking sessions
3. Opt for low-alcohol options
Wine can vary in alcohol content, ranging from as low as 5.5% to as high as 25% ABV (alcohol by volume). Some examples of wines with a higher alcohol content to be mindful of:
- Shiraz: 15.5% ABV
- Port and Tawny Port: 20% ABV
- Aromatised Wine: 20% ABV
Conclusion
While savouring wine in moderation can positively affect overall health, excessive drinking has severe consequences, leading to over 200 diseases, making it a leading cause of death globally. Among them, cardiovascular diseases play a significant role in the mortality rate. In Singapore, cardiovascular disease accounted for 32% of all deaths in 2021 – almost 1 out of 3 deaths in Singapore.
Remember, excessive consumption is never advisable, especially when driving.
As the ancient proverb wisely reminds us, “Anything in excess is harmful,”, it's crucial we strike a balance when incorporating wine into our lifestyles so we can maintain good health.
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