According to a recent study, increased alcohol consumption can lead to poor diet choices and puts a person at risk for more health problems. The study was conducted by researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAAA), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Researchers found that people who drink more alcohol are less likely to eat fruit and more likely to consume more calories. The increase in calorie consumption comes from combining alcoholic beverages with foods high in unhealthy fats and added sugars. Ultimately, a person's health may be in greater jeopardy.
When a person drinks alcohol, they are temporarily filled with empty calories which may satisfy hunger. As time moves on they feel the hunger returning. But instead of reaching for an apple or whole wheat crackers, chances are they will select foods that compliment the taste of alcohol. Foods known as "bar foods" become the choice for consumption. Bar foods are high in fat and sodium such as nuts, buffalo wings, nachos, or mini-burgers known as "sliders." Salt increases thirst, which leads to more alcohol consumption. "We found that as alcoholic beverage consumption increased, Healthy Eating Index scores decreased, an indication of poor food choices," said Rosalind A. Breslow, Ph.D., an epidemiologist in NIAAAA's Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research.
Over time, poor food choices and alcohol can take its toll on a person's overall health. Heavy drinking has been linked with heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. According to the American Heart Association, too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood. This increase can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Of course, higher caloric intake and alcohol can lead to higher weight, which can put a person at risk for chronic health problems even faster than the average weight individual.
The guidelines for a healthy lifestyle are simple and rarely change. It's all about moderation. The US Dietary Guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than one drink on any day for women and no more than two drinks at any time for men. Eat foods that are nutrient dense such as whole fruits and whole grains. This will provide substantial amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber without increasing the caloric intake. Limit the amount of unhealthy fats and sodium dense foods. Finally, move more. This will increase a person's metabolism and help burn off fat even while resting at the bar with friends. Tip the scales in favor of a healthy lifestyle.
When a person drinks alcohol, they are temporarily filled with empty calories which may satisfy hunger. As time moves on they feel the hunger returning. But instead of reaching for an apple or whole wheat crackers, chances are they will select foods that compliment the taste of alcohol. Foods known as "bar foods" become the choice for consumption. Bar foods are high in fat and sodium such as nuts, buffalo wings, nachos, or mini-burgers known as "sliders." Salt increases thirst, which leads to more alcohol consumption. "We found that as alcoholic beverage consumption increased, Healthy Eating Index scores decreased, an indication of poor food choices," said Rosalind A. Breslow, Ph.D., an epidemiologist in NIAAAA's Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research.
Over time, poor food choices and alcohol can take its toll on a person's overall health. Heavy drinking has been linked with heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. According to the American Heart Association, too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood. This increase can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Of course, higher caloric intake and alcohol can lead to higher weight, which can put a person at risk for chronic health problems even faster than the average weight individual.
The guidelines for a healthy lifestyle are simple and rarely change. It's all about moderation. The US Dietary Guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than one drink on any day for women and no more than two drinks at any time for men. Eat foods that are nutrient dense such as whole fruits and whole grains. This will provide substantial amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber without increasing the caloric intake. Limit the amount of unhealthy fats and sodium dense foods. Finally, move more. This will increase a person's metabolism and help burn off fat even while resting at the bar with friends. Tip the scales in favor of a healthy lifestyle.
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