8 minute read
celebrations
holiday cheers!
What role should alcohol play in the festivities?
Advertisement
During the holidays, we clink glasses to good health, friends, family, and fortune. The oft-touted health benefits of a glass of red wine or other alcoholic beverage feels like a bright light of joy alongside boring go-tos like green leafy vegetables, fiber, and exercise.
But is it really true?
There is no question that excessive alcohol intake is bad for health on almost all fronts, but what about moderate alcohol consumption of one or two drinks per day?
Possible Pros:
Past studies have shown a positive correlation between moderate alcohol consumption, heart health, diabetes risk, age-related cognitive health, and longevity. But newer studies question these links, and excessive drinking clearly worsens risks.
Likely Cons:
Cancer: Any amount of alcohol can increase cancer risk, particularly of the liver and breast as well as contact areas (mouth, esophagus) and colon-rectum.
Sleep: While you may fall asleep faster after drinking alcohol, the sleep quality is often reduced, with increased nighttime waking, restlessness, insomnia, morning grogginess, and daytime mood destabilization; modest alcohol consumption may worsen sleep apnea.
Leaky gut and microbiome balance: Alcohol increases inflammation, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and gut flora imbalance. Even moderate amounts have been shown to aggravate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Weight gain and obesity: When we drink, we consume significant amounts of calories in our glasses. Feeling tipsy also encourages us to eat more food, which worsens with heavier drinking.
The research on moderate drinking isn’t clear, but you may want to consider sticking a little below the recommended “up to one drink daily” (for women) or two (for men), reserving for special occasions, or avoiding altogether.
Instead, fill your fancy glass with bubbly water mocktails with a splash of juice, wedge of fruit, sprinkle of pomegranate, splash of vanilla extract, dash of bitters, or other garnish. ●
Maria Noël Groves, RH (AHG), best-selling author of Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self Care and Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies, is a registered clinical herbalist and freelance health journalist nestled in the pine forests of New Hampshire. Learn about herbs, the books, distance consults, online classes, and more at www.WintergreenBotanicals.com.
SELECTED SOURCES “Alcohol and Sleep I: Effects on normal sleep” by I.O. Ebrahim et al., Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 4/13 • “Alcohol use: Weighing risks and benefits,” www.MayoClinic.org, 10/26/19 • “Binge drinking is a serious but preventable public health problem,” 12/30/19 • “Drink alcohol only in moderation,” Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, www.Health.gov, 10/15/20 • “Effects of drinking on late-life brain and cognition” by A. Topiwala and K.P. Ebmeier, Evidence-Based Mental Health, 2/18 • “Facts about moderate drinking,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.CDC.gov, 12/30/19
Make a mocktail
There’s so much to celebrate this time of year. Instead of popping open the bubbly for each occasion, treat yourself and your guests to tempting, nonalcoholic party drinks. All it takes is some healthful ingredients like fruit juices, herbs, spices, and natural sweeteners combined with seltzer water for an array of festive and fizzy delights. Keep in mind that you can double or triple the ingredient amounts in these recipes to serve a larger crowd. Cheers!
Hardcore Apple Cider
From the Taste for Life test kitchen
40 min
prep time serves 6
1 qt unsweetened apple cider 1 c unsweetened cranberry juice 1 cinnamon stick 1 1-inch piece of peeled ginger, sliced thinly 1 tsp whole cloves 2 Tbsp honey 1 organic orange, thinly sliced (leave peel on)
1. Bring all ingredients, except orange slices, to a boil in a medium pan.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain cider into 6 mugs. Discard spices.
4. Garnish mugs with orange slices and serve.
Per serving: 129 Calories, 1 g Protein, 33 g Carbohydrates, 26 g Total sugars (6 g Added sugars), 1 g Fiber, 9 mg Sodium, ★★ Vitamin C
Superfruit Sparkler
From the Taste for Life test kitchen
10 min
prep time serves 6
1½ c unsweetened pomegranate juice, chilled 1½ c unsweetened tart cherry juice, chilled 3 c lime-flavored seltzer, chilled, divided 1 fresh lime, sliced into thin slices (optional) ½ c pomegranate arils (seeds) (optional) Ice
1. In a pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, tart cherry juice, and 2 cups of the seltzer.
2. Pour into ice-filled glasses. Divide remaining seltzer among glasses.
3. Garnish with lime slices and pomegranate arils, if desired.
Total wellness
with IMMUNE
Support your immune system and your body’s daily nutritional needs with Bluebonnet’s Immune One™ Whole Food-Based multivitamin in vegetable capsules.
This non-GMO, Kosher certified, whole food-based multiple delivers active coenzyme forms of B vitamins, scientifically substantiated dosages of vitamin C, D3 & Zinc, vitamin E derived from non-GMO sunflower oil, a digestive enzyme blend, as well as, an immune support mushroom and herb blend for daily health & wellness -- all in just ONE capsule daily. ♦
• Immune Defense ◆ • Antioxidant Protection ◆ • Respiratory Support ◆ • Sinus Comfort ◆
Available in 30, 60 & 90 counts
Look for Bluebonnet’s complete line of Whole Food-Based Multiples to support your overall health. ♦
Soco Artisanal Tahini
Authentic stone ground sesame butter made with slow roasted sesame seeds. Rich, velvety, and well balanced. Easy to drizzle, mix, spread, or dip.
Terra Beauty Bars
American Health Enzyme Probiotic Complex+
Advanced support for gas and bloating.* Supplies 3 broad-spectrum digestive enzymes plus 20 billion live probiotic cultures. For digestive support and gastrointestinal wellness.*
Floral Infusion Multitasking Oil
Get moisture and shine for body and hair. Crafted with hydrating coconut oil, jojoba oil, and lavender essential oil. Waterless formula. Vegan.
Naturtint Permanent Hair Color Gel
Ammonia-free color, inspired by nature. For radiant color and shine. Leaves hair silky and hydrated. Long-lasting gray coverage. Epsom-It
Just Thrive Gluten Away
Gluten digestive enzyme + betaine HCl and targeted probiotics. Protects against hidden sources of gluten.* Breaks down gluten before it causes intestinal pain or discomfort.*
Nerve Pain Relief
Works fast to soothe discomfort associated with nerve pain. Drug-free lotion of super-concentrated pure Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate). Fortified with arnica, capsaicin, and aloe vera.
Bodyceuticals Organic Calendula Oil
Raw, nutrient-rich, multipurpose body oil. Helps support skin that is dry, cracked, sensitive, and has eczema or psoriasis-like symptoms. Perfect for everyday use for all skin types.
LastObject LastRound
Reusable rounds that feel like regular cotton rounds when wet. Contains 1 case + 7 reusable rounds. Replaces 1750 singleuse rounds.
East Orlando 4924 E Colonial Dr 407-228-1373 S.W. Orlando 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd 407-352-2130 Kissimmee 1114 N John Young Pkwy 407- 846-7454
LAKE MARY N. Lakeland 3005 W Lake Mar (407) 936-9470 y Blvd 4001 US Highway 98 N 863-815-0001 Kissimmee 1114 N John Young Pkwy 407- 846-7454 S. Lakeland 1521 Bartow Rd 863-687-8413
LAKE MARY N. Lakeland 3005 W Lake Mar (407) 936-9470 East Orlando 4924 E Colonial Dr 407-228-1373 y Blvd 4001 US Highway 98 N 863-815-0001 S.W. Orlando 7600 Dr Phillips Blvd 407-352-2130 S. Lakeland 1521 Bartow Rd 863-687-8413 Altamonte Springs 1086 Montgomery Rd 407-774-8866 chamberlins.com
Kissimmee 1114 N John Young Pkwy 407- 846-7454
LAKE MARY N. Lakeland 3005 W Lake Mar (407) 936-9470 y Blvd 4001 US Highway 98 N 863-815-0001 S. Lakeland 1521 Bartow Rd 863-687-8413
Altamonte Springs 1086 Montgomery Rd *These sta nose, treat, chamberlins.comtements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to cure, or prevent any disease. This information is presented as general information and is not meant to rep diaglace medical advice. Because persons and circumstances can vary, self treatment may not be right for you. Consult a qualified health care practitioner for advice pertaining to any particular person or case or before beginning any new exercise, diet, or supplementation program. Use products only per label direction. Chamberlin's Boswellia 450 mg
Supports healthy inflammation response.* Popular for those engaged in physical activities and fitness regimens.* Standardized extract, supplying 65% boswellic acids.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is presented as general information and is *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is presented as general information and is not meant to replace medical advice. Because persons and circumstances can vary, self treatment may not be right for you. Consult a qualified ave not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagevent any disease. This information is presented as general information and is not meant to replace not meant to replace medical advice. Because persons and circumstances can vary, self treatment may not be right for you. Consult a qualified health care practitioner for advice pertaining to any particular person or case or before beginning any new exercise, diet, or supplementation program. Use products only per label direction. use perso hens alth cand are praccircumtitistoner for aances cdvice pertainingan vary, self tto any particulreatment mar person or case or before beay not be right for you. Cginninonsug any newlt a quali exercified se, diet, er for advice pertaining to any paor supplementation program. Use products only per label directrticular person or case or before beginning any newion.exercise, diet, or supplementation program. Use products only per label direction.
