Alcoholic beverages are far from the last of the food products. Friends, significant happy and sad meetings, even just to increase appetite - everything goes with the use of alcohol. However, intoxicants differ in content, which does not have a positive effect on humans. Therefore, you need to know which alcohol is less harmful to the body.
Classification of alcohol hazards
Any food containing at least 1. 5% ethyl alcohol is alcoholic. Ethanol beverages are systematized according to the level of C₂H₅OH, the type of raw materials used, the type of production and the aging criterion.
Alcohol:
- low content - beer, wine;
- high - vodka, sugar cane rum, gin, grain whiskey, grape brandy and more.
All drinks are made from different types of raw materials.
The former can be divided into the following categories:
- on the basis of grapes - cognac, wine, Italian grappa;
- grains - whiskey, beer groups, vodka;
- fruits and berries - apple calvados, liqueur, liqueur;
- herbal - balm, rum, Mexican tequila, absinthe.
Each alcoholic beverage has its own ethanol content.
The presence of the latter can be divided as follows:
- high - from 67 to 96% of the volume of the container;
- normal - from 31 to 66;
- average - from 9 to 30;
- low - 1, 5 to 9.
The last line includes everyone's favorite beer, low-alcohol national products, yeast, palm chicken, shanji
Medium ethanol drinks are represented by wines, mulled wine, punch, mead.
The top step is taken with vodka, armagnac, tequila, rum, absinthe and other intoxicating liquids. Drinking ethyl alcohol is leading. The volume of alcohol reaches 95%.
It is believed that the main harm to health is caused by the degree of the drink, but using weak alcoholic products, you can cause no less damage.
Characteristics of less harmful alcohol
Estimates for intoxicants vary widely. Some nutritionists claim that drinking beverages is healthy, while others are harmful to health.
The criteria for the least harmful alcohol include the following factors:
- The degree of its quality.
- The amount of ethanol.
- Additives to taste.
- Execution.
According to medical experts, vodka is considered less harmful to health. Of course, this condition is met with minimal use.
This conclusion is determined by the following factors:
- low calorie content;
- absence of a harmful carbonyl group;
- from the simplicity of an alcoholic liquid - water with alcohol.
A good quality product almost never causes a hangover. But this does not mean that you can drink vodka without measure. To prevent poisoning, fatty foods should be a snack.
However, experts characterize authentic grape wines as the least safe alcohol for the liver. The fruits of the bush have no harmful residues. If you do not separate the skin from the fruit, you get red wine, recognized as the most beneficial for health.
This is due to the fact that the vitamins in the shell pass into a liquid alcoholic environment, saturate the body with trace elements, organic nitrogen compounds.
Antioxidants improve the functioning of the circulatory system and rejuvenate cells. The wine is used successfully to isolate the extract from it, which is used for injections and various cosmetics.
The effect of alcohol on the body
Alcohol is considered one of the most powerful, harmful poisons and is equated to a drug. In addition to addiction, the intoxicating drink negatively affects the work of external and internal human organs. Gradually killing the cells, alcohol contributes to the development of many chronic pathologies.
Table of the negative effects of alcohol on the main human organs:
| Internal organs and systems | Effect of alcoholic beverages |
|---|---|
| GIT | • destruction of the small intestine; • doctors often remove burns of the larynx; • development of duodenal ulcer; • chronic gastritis; • the work of the digestive tract is disturbed; • food precipitates in the form of toxins and begins to decompose. |
| Liver | The cells of this organ are most susceptible to the effects of alcohol, as it is involved in processing and cleavage at the molecular level. However, this is not the main function of the liver. After a short time its wear occurs, its size decreases. Eventually, the body will not be able to eliminate toxins. Diseases of this organ lead to brain pathologies and death. |
| Vessels and heart | • increase in the size of the heart muscle; • scars; • heart attack; • death. |
| Nervous system | Alcohol quickly dissolves fats, which are 60% in nerve cells. Therefore, C₂H₅OH molecules are actively absorbed, precipitated, which leads to excitation of the central nervous system and the body relaxes. As a result, intoxication occurs. Over time, alcohol builds up and slows nerve endings. |
| Reproductive function | The effect of alcohol on the male body: • reduction of sperm motility; • sexual impotence; • infertility. Risks of alcohol use in women: • failure of the menstrual cycle; • narrowing of the fallopian tubes; • reduction of the uterus; • the egg does not have time to mature; • infertility. |
| Brain activity | Even a supposedly acceptable dose of alcohol (50 grams per day) eliminates several thousand neurons in the brain. This effect cannot be reversed. Ethanol provokes the adhesion of erythrocytes, as a result of which capillary blockage develops. In addition, the cells die and oxygen starvation occurs. |
| Respiratory system | Drinking alcohol is associated with the following lung diseases: • arrhythmia; • chronic diseases; • hypertension; • tuberculosis; • inflammation. |
| Kidneys | The kidneys get the most damage when they drink alcohol, because under the influence of alcohol they are forced to work several times harder, removing toxins. |
| Immune system | Impairment of immunity from alcohol lies in the lack of essential vitamins, macro-and micronutrients. In addition, dehydration, increased work of other organs and systems do not allow the defenses to restore human health. |
Liver and alcohol
The liver is most affected by alcohol. It processes 90% of the liquids used by humans, including harmful ones. The cells of the organ die quickly, are replaced by fat, the ducts shrink, and the body itself is significantly reduced in size.
The condition leads to the formation of an incurable disease - alcoholic cirrhosis. The internal organ does not perform an antitoxic function, which leads to the slow death of a person. Any beverage containing alcohol is harmful because it includes additional harmful components.
The table below summarizes some of them:
| Beer | The most harmful alcoholic beverage. It has a diuretic effect, which increases the content of poison in the blood. |
| Cocktails and energy |
These foods include many dietary supplements, dyes that have a negative effect on the liver. |
| Sparkling wine |
Carbon dioxide increases the absorption of alcohol in the digestive tract, exceeding the permissible norm. |
| Sweet alcohol drinks |
Contains a lot of sucrose, which increases the burden on the liver. |
Looking at the application, we can say that the absent alcoholic beverages do not have a strong effect on the liver, regardless of their strength or production characteristics.
The effect of alcohol on the stomach
Alcohol is a chemical that is almost completely absorbed by the body, but increases the production of active harmful oxygen groups. The element oxidizes cellular tissue, organs of the digestive tract.
Even the small amount of alcohol consumed causes the stomach to produce high levels of acid, which subsequently turns into gastritis, causing vomiting, diarrhea and internal bleeding. This condition can lead to cancer of the mouth, nasopharynx, tongue and pancreas.
The least harmful result of drinking is reflux, which burns the mucous membrane of the larynx produced by acid. The appearance of an ulcer - an open painful wound on the inner walls of the stomach, is another fact of excessive consumption of alcohol.
The condition makes it difficult to digest food, disrupts the metabolic process. Alcohol reduces the number of digestive enzymes that the pancreas produces to break down fats and carbohydrates.
Alcohol and the brain
The described central part of the nervous system is the most efficient consumer of oxygen. Excessive alcohol consumption interferes with the access of O2to the nerve cells of the gray matter due to poisoning.
The result is dementia leading to massive neuronal death. Intensive consumption of intoxicated drink affects the cells of the cerebral cortex, which leads to depletion of the brain.
The effect of alcohol on the pancreas
This organ does not contain enzymes that break down alcohol, so harmful drinks directly affect the pancreas. Here, protein plugs are formed, which retain calcium, which is expressed through the formation of stones and leads to pancreatitis.
The molecules of the alcoholic environment contribute to the damage of the gland cells. Pre-existing alcoholic chronic disease, increasing number of proteins in dietary juice. The latter clog the small secretory ducts of the organ, promoting the proliferation of connective tissue with scars - fibrosis.
Kidney and alcohol
The drinker has impaired excretory process of the kidneys, which regulates their activity. The system of the adrenal glands is constantly functioning, the protective tissue of the hollow organ covering its inner shell is damaged.
Dysbacteriosis due to alcohol intake
The presence of the described pathology completely prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages. The latter, and carbonated, lead to inflammatory processes on the intestinal surface. The use of alcoholic beverages in the treatment of dysbiosis is also not recommended due to the lack of treatment results.
Alcohol accelerates the passage of biological barriers, which explains the passage of toxins from the intestine, assimilated proteins that are real allergens.
Additional properties of less harmful alcoholic beverages
Various food additives present in the intoxicating drink worsen the effect of alcohol. In order for alcohol to be less harmful to the liver and other internal organs, they should be consumed with natural ingredients, not synthetic ones.
Sugar
The sweet substance is contained in many alcoholic products - liqueur, sparkling wines, intoxicating cocktails. The products are characterized by a high content of calories, which increases the load on the human body.
Harmful viscous alcohol is not recommended for people who have:
- overweight;
- gallbladder removed;
- pathology of the pancreas.
People who have liver disease, hepatitis should not drink this way.
Increase pressure
The effects of wine drinks are not yet fully understood. Contains organic substances, amino acids, various tannins. Red wine increases the nitrogen content, causing vasodilation and increased blood flow. Therefore, after using it, the pressure decreases.
However, the alcohol effect continues quickly, the heart muscle begins to increase contractions, expelling new portions of blood, which leads to increased pressure.
Terms of Use
A person has the right to calculate the highest daily alcohol dose, which will not have a strong negative impact on the body. The formula looks like this:
20: 0, 966: per degree of drink × 100.
Based on the calculations, you can give the permissible volume of alcohol consumed in ml:
- vodka - 51;
- fortified wine - 103;
- dry, normal - 172;
- beer - 415.
If a person does not want to stop his addiction, he can drink 20 grams a day. pure alcohol, which has no pronounced effect on the liver. However, it is advisable to adhere to the following rule - you should not drink alcohol more than twice a week.
The only exceptions are real dry red wines. A man can drink 50 g of the drink a day, a woman - 30.
Alcohol rating
The harmful effects of alcohol have been known to mankind for hundreds of years. Once in the body, ethanol breaks it down. The severity of the poisoning depends on both the amount of intoxication and its type. Below are the most harmful alcoholic beverages in the ranking.
vodka
The familiar male drink is in the last step. No dyes, fragrances or other harmful additives. Vodka can be called the best dietary alcohol product. But that doesn't mean drinking without moderation or mixing with cocktails.
However, vodka has drawbacks:
- frequent poisonings;
- increased use;
- commercial enterprises often sell a surrogate, a fake.
The hangover is rated 3 out of 10.
Wine
The described drink can be referred to a medicinal product.
The benefits of red wine include:
- prevents the formation of blood clots, any inflammation;
- reduces the concentration of bad cholesterol;
- resveratrol- a natural phytoalexin, an antioxidant that resists the aging of the body.
The disadvantage is the presence of harmful methanol. Excessive use leads to a severe hangover.
White wine is less useful, but lowers cholesterol due to chemical compounds. The liquid environment for grapes is saturated with harmful sulfites, which are added by the manufacturer of the product, which causes severe toxic symptoms that appear after 3 glasses of alcohol. Provokes allergic reactions, asthma, migraines, dental diseases.
Alcohol signs of poisoning are rated at 6 points.
Liqueur
These products are medium and healthy. The high presence of sugar leads to the fact that it is used in the preparation of cocktails.
Usually indicates the following types:
- Reinforced - up to 45% alcohol, 50% sugar.
- Dessert - respectively 30-30%.
- Creams - 15-23-60%.
The advantages of this type of hops are the sweetness, the content of useful ingredients of herbs, plant roots, flowers.
The disadvantage is the high level of sugar, high calorie content, sometimes causing allergies, stomach discomfort.
cognac
The intoxicated drink contains a minimal amount of harmful food additives, has a vasodilating effect and leads to the death of some pathogenic microbes. The daily intake should not exceed 50 ml, women - 30.
Pros:
- elimination of stomach cramps;
- without add-ons;
- stimulating the appetite;
- normalization of blood pressure;
- humility of the headache.
A large number of restrictions are inherent in the shortcomings - hypertension, addiction, diabetes, high calorie. Increased use leads to acute vascular insufficiency.
Alcohol syndrome - 8 units.
Beer
Alcohol is produced from barley with the help of additives (hops, yeast).
Positive indicator - low content of harmful ethanol 3-8 °, as well as the following factors:
- prevents the development of coronary heart disease;
- silicon restores bones;
- removes salts of aluminum, other metals, carcinogens;
- promotes hair growth;
- low calorie content;
- thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic, nicotinic acid.
A glass of alcoholic beer contains a quarter of the daily value of B vitamins.
Negative factors:
- increase in uric acid leads to the development of gout;
- inhibits digestion due to easy digestion;
- Cobalt causes inflammation of the esophagus, stomach.
Frequent use of this type of alcoholic beverage provokes obesity and heart disease.
Sparkling wines
Champagne ranks next. Current antioxidants restore nerve fibers, the chemical composition has a bactericidal effect, promotes blood circulation, reduces bad cholesterol and dilates blood vessels.
However, there is rapid intoxication due to the presence of bubbles of carbon dioxide, contributes to the appearance of liver pathologies, slows digestion.Alcohol hangover - 7.
Whiskey
There is a medical opinion that the product slows down the development of malignant tumors. Excessive use, however, leads to mental disorders, rage, delirium tremens.
The set of symptoms of alcohol - 8 units.
Brandy
The list goes on with brandy. The intoxicating environment of the drink contains a large number of antioxidants that slow down aging, ascorbic acid. Due to numerous impurities, the most severe alcohol poisoning is observed - 9.
Alcoholic cocktails
The presence of alcohol, gas, sugar creates a mixture that is dangerous to health. The latter provokes rapid intoxication, saturates the blood, resulting in a dynamic absorption of glucose.
Energy
The most harmful alcohol is energy drinks containing C₂H₅OH. The strong alcoholic liquid together with them brings appreciable damage to the internal organs. Aggression, suicidal tendencies increase, loss of consciousness is observed.
It is recommended to choose alcoholic beverages in which the alcohol content is less harmful to health. These are red and white natural wines.