Alcohol
Alcohol is high in calories but worthless in terms of nutrients. It causes liver cirrhosis, weakens the immune system, is toxic to the heart, and generates free radicals in the body. Hard liquor like whisky, gin and vodka raises insulin levels. Beer is very high in calories.
WINE
A glass or two of white or red wine does a person no harm. It may even be beneficial. In France and Italy where a glass or two of wine is a routine part of a meal, the incidence of heart disease is much lower than in places where wine is not consumed as much.
Studies have shown red wine (1-2 glasses a day) lowers the risk of heart disease by 30 to 50 percent and increases HDL-cholesterol.
Scientists have isolated an antifungal compound in grape skins called resveratrol as the compound that is cardio-protective. Red wine has 50 to 100 times more resveratrol than white wine.
Caution: Too much wine counteracts any potential benefits. People who drink more than two glasses of wine per day put themselves at the risk of developing cardiovascular and liver disease as well as other health problems. If you have a drinking problem, no amount of wine is safe for you.
