Historically, it was more acceptable for men to drink than it was for women. Some may even think it was used as a symbol of their freedom to disregard their responsibility at any given moment. In the past, it was almost considered inappropriate for women to drink freely. Nowadays, drinking is considered a natural part of our culture; it’s normal to find a group of working women cracking a cold one at a 5 pm meeting. It seems that the demonization of alcohol only starts when women are involved in the equation. Adopting a more realistic view helps in determining, once and for all, whether drinking every day should be encouraged or frowned upon.
Unlike what most people think, having a drink every day isn’t harmful if we are not talking about a weekend bender. On the contrary, drinking a glass of wine is recommended for healthy aging. To prove this fact and elaborate on the matter, here is everything you need to know about why having a drink every day could be a lifesaver for women.
Say Goodbye to Stress
For some reason, women are expected to do it all. Nowadays, the average woman manages a full-time job while taking care of her kids and keeping her house clean and running all kinds of other errands. These endless responsibilities are becoming too much to handle, especially in this financial climate. Having your favorite drink, be it a glass of wine or a martini, is a way of destressing and giving yourself a chance to unwind at the end of every day. You can make this your “me” time after you have finished work, put your kids to sleep, and cleaned the house.
Grab your favorite drink and draw yourself a bath with scented candles. You can go the extra mile and reward yourself with a piece of dark chocolate. You might feel that you are not up for all of this, but all of these give you a chance to relax and enjoy your own company. Reducing stress and learning how to deal with it have a myriad of health benefits.
Protects the Heart
This is not a suggestion for people who don’t drink to start drinking, but it has been scientifically proven that moderate alcohol intake can do wonders to heart health. Several studies have shown that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption is directly linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease. Unlike what many people promote, red wine is not the only drink that is packed with protective elements. Whiskey lovers from the whisky subscription club confirm that whiskey is packed with high levels of antioxidants that can protect against coronary heart disease. Whiskey can also reduce the risk of blood clots and high cholesterol levels. Extensive research has shown that both whiskey and red wine can reduce the risk of strokes.
Improves BMI
Beer bellies are a real thing. While beer contains too many calories, other beverage choices can actually be your ticket for a slimmer, leaner body. Studies show that women who regularly drink a moderate amount are less likely to become overweight or suffer from obesity. Regular drinkers become more adapted to metabolizing alcohol differently compared to non-drinkers. This habit of having a drink or two a day has the power to enhance metabolism and lower BMI for a healthier, fitter body.
Drinking and Aging
Aging like a fine wine is a dream that many women share. Many people associate drinking with premature wrinkles and scaly skin. However, alcohol doesn’t have this effect on the skin; it’s dehydration. It’s essential to drink the recommended daily amount of water, especially if you are enjoying a glass of wine. This will not only keep your body hydrated and lower the risk of premature wrinkles, but it also helps with hangovers.
Recently, some alcohol choices with anti-aging properties have hit the market. Allegedly, these options contain some skin-boosting ingredients that will not only let you enjoy a glass with peace of mind but also has the power to make your dream come true.
Lowers the Overall Risk of Death
In more than 24 studies conducted on women who drank heavily had an increased risk of death. In these same studies, women who depended on low-to-moderate alcohol consumption had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. This is for several reasons, as recent research has proven that low alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of diabetes type 2, obesity, and heart disease.
Drinking and Succession
As mentioned, social drinking has been a part of the work culture for quite some time. In some offices, drinking is even considered an extension of work; it’s a way to broaden your networks and make connections with people you work with. Many women use happy hours to break down gender roles and hierarchy borders. Happy hours in work culture can easily be used to build bonds and hasten your way to a higher position. Sometimes, a bar gathering after office hours to continue working is part of the social work dynamic. In many industries, drinking is an integral part of the networking culture to promote your skills and experience.
Drinking and Bone Health
Some evidence recently popped up in the health world that indicates a direct link between low alcohol consumption with bone density. This specifically applies to postmenopausal women. Usually, women are more prone to the loss of bone density, especially with age. Drinking a glass or two of wine or your alcohol choice every day can reduce osteoporosis risk and protect your joints.
Long gone is the belief that alcohol is detrimental to women’s health while, at the same time, men drink profusely and enjoy their beverages. While heavy alcohol consumption can never be encouraged or recommended, low-to-moderate alcohol consumption, especially wine and whiskey, has many proven health benefits for women. At the end of the day, it’s important to use your own judgment to determine what works for you and what you need to stay clear from because it’s your body and your choice.
WRITTEN BY
Daria Brown