Although it is undeniable that elders are advised to avoid alcohol, there are great advantages that can be achieved if it is consumed in moderation. Moderate drinking is referred to as no more than one drink per day for both men and women over the age of 65. A drink is defined as one-and-a-half ounces of spirits, five ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer. Low-dose alcohol is encouraged because it may support normal bowel function and boost appetite. It can also enhance mood by reducing anxiety while promoting emotions of pleasure. Here are some suggestions for responsibly enjoying wine on St. Patrick’s Day.
Avoid Drinking Games
You’re greatly prone to be injured, disgrace yourself, put yourself in a risky situation, or even incur alcohol poisoning if you excessively consume and get intoxicated. That is why we advise folks to avoid drinking games and anything else that seeks to make you drunk quickly. Rather, dance, play pool or have a conversation about the latest Netflix release instead.
Choose Healthier Wines
- Merlot
Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine with black cherry and plum aromas and flavors. Merlot is one of the world’s most famous wine grapes, with high quantities of resveratrol and procyanidin, which can help decrease cholesterol and improve heart health.
- Malbec
Do you know that Malbec wine has four times the amount of antioxidants as Merlot? The skins of Malbec grapes are among the thickest of any wine grape variety. That signifies they’re full of antioxidants like resveratrol, quercetin, and other compounds that are good for your heart and immune system.
- Barbera
Because unprocessed Barbera grape varieties have a strong, almost pucker-worthy tartness, they benefit from being matured in wooden barrels to smooth out their crispness. In fact, Barbera wines made the list as being one of the healthiest red wines available due to their aging process.
Cooler maturation and fermentation processes, such as those used with this grape variety in northern Italian areas, have been proven to boost resveratrol grape contents. Furthermore, Barbera grapes cultivated at higher altitudes have been demonstrated to yield greater and more intense resveratrol levels than grapes produced at lower altitudes.
- Cannonau
Longevity has traditionally been closely linked with Cannonau wine, a fruity and full-bodied Italian red. Cannonau has up to three times the amount of heart-friendly flavonoids compared to other wines and they are particularly strong in antioxidants. As Cannonau grapes have thick skins which increase their anthocyanins and polyphenol levels, they have been commonly associated with good cardiovascular health.
The wine also boasts some of the highest quantities of resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skin of grapes that has been reflected in research to aid in the prevention of plaque development in dementia individuals’ brains. Numerous anecdotal reports even indicate that folks who drink the ruby elixir daily may even live to reach 100 years old.
Abstention from one of the world’s most popular social activities is sometimes the best option. But if you can’t avoid drinking on St. Patrick’s Day, limit your intake or go for healthier wines at the very least. Moderate drinking can help you lose weight, enhance your sleep habits, and make you feel better overall. It only takes a little willpower to do so!
