We’ve all occasionally heard that little voice of our conscience suggesting that reducing the alcohol intake may not be an entirely awful idea. Nutritionist Alana Fagan from Whole Nutrition in Auckland offers a few good reasons to choose a lower alcohol wine.
- Reducing alcohol intake can help reduce fat around the stomach, which is associated with a number of serious health problems including heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
- It can also help lower blood pressure – regular alcohol consumption is linked to high blood pressure.
- It eases pressure on your liver which is the organ responsible for breaking down most of the alcohol we drink.
- Alcohol consumption can affect bone health as it interferes with the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
- Plus you’ll feel better the next day.
But, Fagan warns, don’t fall into the trap of thinking low alcohol wines mean you can drink twice as much or more often. A good tip is to always quench your thirst with a glass of water before you have a wine; it helps you slow down and savour the taste instead of drinking quickly.
