Many health-conscious individuals believe that enjoying a glass or two of wine with dinner is a healthier choice compared to other alcoholic beverages.
Red wine, in particular, has been praised for its potential benefits for heart health and longevity and is a key component of the Mediterranean Diet, which is often touted as one of the best eating patterns for a long, healthy life.
However, recent research has cast doubt on the health benefits of drinking wine or any form of alcohol.
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According to a January 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), no amount of alcohol is considered safe for your health.
The WHO highlights that alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases, injuries, and other health conditions.
Supporting this stance, a study published in *The Lancet* revealed that even moderate consumption of wine or other alcoholic drinks is carcinogenic and increases the risk of several types of cancer.
Below are six benefits of giving up wine and all alcohol in general:
You’ll Lose Weight
Wine can be a “triple threat” to your weight and waistline.
Each 5-ounce serving contains 115 to 125 calories, and it can increase your appetite while undermining your willpower.
Research from McGill University shows that alcohol disrupts hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which can make you feel hungrier and less satisfied.
The result? Drinking more often leads to eating more.
You’ll Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 Carcinogen by the WHO, meaning it is known to cause cancer.
When metabolized, alcohol produces a compound that can damage DNA and elevate the risk of several cancers, including those of the oral cavity, liver, larynx, colorectal region, and breast.
Even moderate drinking increases this risk.
A study published in *Nutrients* highlights that alcohol’s by-products, such as acetaldehyde, can cause DNA damage and inhibit its repair, contributing to cancer risk.
Ethanol also raises inflammation and oxidative stress, further linking alcohol consumption to cancer.
Your Liver Will Thank You
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing alcohol, but this process comes at a cost.
Each sip of wine contributes to liver cell damage as the organ works to process alcohol and its by-products.
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to severe liver conditions, such as alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
Even moderate amounts of alcohol, such as 5 ounces of wine, are harmful to the liver and can lead to long-term damage.
Your Heart Health May Improve
While red wine is often touted for its heart health benefits, recent studies suggest that the association between alcohol and cardiovascular health might be overstated.
Some research, including a study in *The American Journal of Medicine*, suggests that factors like lifestyle and diet may contribute more significantly to heart health than alcohol itself.
Health professionals currently do not recommend starting alcohol consumption to lower heart disease risk.
You’ll Sleep Better
Many people find that quitting alcohol leads to better sleep. Although alcohol can help you fall asleep quickly, it often disrupts sleep quality later in the night.
A study published in *Alcohol* found that alcohol can cause insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and reduced deep sleep during the latter half of the night.
The impact of alcohol on sleep disturbances is significant, with associated costs estimated at over $18 billion.
You’ll Save Money
Skipping wine can also improve your finances.
Many people report substantial savings by cutting out alcohol.
In a Reddit thread titled “How much money are you saving by not drinking?” users shared that they saved anywhere from $15 to $1,000 a month.
Foregoing wine could save you around $5,000 or more annually, helping to ease financial pressures and combat inflation.
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