Are there any benefits of drinking alcohol? Alcohol doesn't make a lot of "Top 10" lists for being one of the healthiest things to put in our bodies. But alcohol in all of its common forms—beer, wine, liquor—actually has some unexpected health perks. Here are the best
benefits of drinking alcohol.
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1.
BURNS CALORIES
This could be one of the best benefits of drinking alcohol. Seriously. New research found that wine can help keep your weight in check. Over a 13-year study, scientists found that women who drank a glass or two of red wine a day were 30 percent less likely to be overweight than non-drinkers. One reason: drinking booze encourages your body to burn calories.
2.
SEXUAL DESIRE
Women who drank one to two glasses of vino had heightened sexual desire, compared to ladies who didn’t down any vino, a Journal of Sexual Medicine study found. What makes the elixir so beneficial is a rich antioxidant profile that triggers nitric oxide production in the blood, which relaxes artery walls. This increases blood flow down south, creating feelings of sexual excitement.
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3.
ENHANCES EXERCISE PERFORMANCE
Research published in the Journal of Physiology found that the resveratrol found in most red wines can enhance exercise performance, improve muscle strength and heart function—all benefits similar to endurance training. Also, there is some truth to the whole post-marathon beer thing! A Spanish study suggests that an ice cold beer can hydrate you just as well as water, making it perfectly ok to grab happy hour after an intense sweat session.
4.
PACKED WITH VITAMINS
Whether you’re a fan of Bud Light or Guinness, beer is packed with B vitamins riboflavin and thiamine, plus high levels of magnesium, and calcium. But dark beers do have a slight advantage of being the better brew thanks to their high iron content, which helps oxygen circulate around the body better.
5.
SPARKS CREATIVITY
Next time you’re stumped at a project, grab a cocktail. For example, cranberry and vodka can help get your creative juices flowing according to a study from Consciousness and Cognition.
6.
STOPS BAD BREATH
Any case of bad breath can be helped by a shot of vodka. The high alcohol content in vodka (and other alcohols) helps kill bad odor bacteria. Two pro tips: make sure to spit it out after use, and don't use any liquors with high sugar content, as they can eat away at all that healthy enamel.
7.
REDUCES ANXIETY
Alcohol helps in social interactions and making awkward situations a little less anxiety-inducing. Consuming alcohol can help us feel like we fit in at parties and temporarily boost confidence.
Finally, here are examples of the healthiest drinks:
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You know moderation is the key. Drink responsibly. Have alcohol as a kind-of treat or reward for accomplishing something, instead of making it a crutch. Cheers!