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Do Certain Alcohols Really Have Health Benefits?

News about the amazing health benefits of alcohol seems to be everywhere lately.  These articles pop up frequently on social media sites, and every few months there seems to be a new study claiming to have found that wine is good for your heart, or tequila good for your brain. But are these headlines to be believed?  It seems a bit counterintuitive to drink a carcinogenic, addictive substance to improve your health, and yet these outlandish reports can make it easy to justify our drinking habits. However, if you look at the data, you may find that the reports of these studies can be very misleading. Red wine has long been thought of as heart healthy and packed with antioxidants.  While resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, can in fact contribute to the prevention of heart disease, this same compound can be found in grapes, peanuts, and berries.  The problem with choosing red wine as your way of increasing your antioxidants is that very few of us tend to stop at one glass. Going beyond that first glass is considered excessive, and more than three glasses is considered a binge.  The risks associated with excessive alcohol use include cancer, heart disease, liver failure, and a whole host of personal and financial problems that accompany addiction. It seems to make a lot more sense to simply eat the grapes.  Another popular news story recently boasted the amazing health benefits of tequila, including weight loss and the prevention of heart disease.  These claims are based on a study that observed the effects of agave on mice. Since high-end tequilas are made with 100% agave sugars, media outlets took this bit of information and ran with it.  Realistically, the mice were being dosed with agave supplements, not being given shots of tequila. The same health benefits could potentially be created with supplements or agave nectar itself, rather than taking the route that has a risk of addiction.  While some alcoholic drinks contain ingredients that have beneficial effects on the body, there are healthier, smarter ways to access those same benefits without consuming alcohol. 

If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with alcohol addiction, now is the time to seek help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms.  The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness.  If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.