Alcohol: How much is too much?

Several studies in recent years have highlighted health benefits of small to moderate amounts of alcohol. The most well-known beneficial class is red wine. But a person can be perfectly healthy with no alcohol at all. The thing is the reality of the matter: while a small amount may have health benefits, in reality, many people will consume way too too much, which becomes very unhealthy.

Our ancestors, from the middle ages to prehistoric times, usually had exposure to alcohol to some degree. Often it was in short supply, unless one was wealthy or harvests were especially bountiful. With modern agricultural efficiencies, alcohol has become very cheap, so that even the very poor can afford something. This dangerous equation makes it very easy to consume too much alcohol for those same types that would not have had the opportunity in ancient times.

The unhealthy effects of excessive alcohol consumption are well-known, so if person has a tendency to drink too much they will be more likely healthiest overall to abstain from alcohol altogether. But for those who can be disciplined, small amounts of red wines and beers can benefit your heart and even perhaps slow down the aging process a little!

Coffee: The Elixir of Health?

Several studies have shown some suprising health benefits of coffee in the last few years. Coffee was found to have a preventative effect against diabetes. Coffee seems to also help prevent alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Coffee is loaded with antioxidants as well. Another major find is a significant protective effect against alcoholic cirrhosis.

Now, before I go any further, I will state the coffee is a mixed bag. It has some good substances and some potentially bad substances. Caffeinated can cause insomnia or at best less than ideal quantity and timimg of sleep. Coffee can be hard on the stomach, for those with sensitive stomachs. Caffeine can also cause irritability and anxiety, so partake in moderation and give yourself a break whenever necessary. Caffeine can elevate the blood pressue and also can tigger heart palpitations.

The coffee bean is a seed, not a fruit, and some of the same substances we like, such as caffeine, are acually natural insecticides evolved by the plant to ward off predators (insects and herbivores). Coffee is not alone there. The interesting, favorful compounds in all our herbs and spices are probably all the plant's own chemical warfare system to protect itself from being eaten. The fact that some of these poisons are harmless to us and quite tasty is more of a happy accident of evolution than anything. That's not to say herbs and spices don't helpful biological functions for us. Some of them probably helped to eliminate parasites for our ancestors and helped to preserve our food, with some of the compunds being anti-microbial and likely making the food item less appealing to smaller mammals like rats and mice.

Anyway, back to coffee... it's a complex mixture of natural substances, and if you can do without it, that's okay. You don't need coffee to be healthy. But if you find coffee interesting, don't feel bad about drinking it. Just do so in moderation and beware of the downsides. You might just be helping to prevent some health issues in your future!

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