Happiness In A Glass Of Wine
Do you know that ‘happy’ nutrients are often lacking in the modern day diet? So you might ask: What ‘happy’ food or drink are you talking about? Well, I can safely say drinking wine tops my list. This is not related totally to the alcohol content in wine but well, partly.
Wine or alcohol drinking is mainly associated to ‘having a good time’. It is served in almost all wedding banquets, business functions or celebrations, and during merry making times during the holiday seasons. Nevertheless, too much wine or alcohol drinks can be catastrophic.
It is interesting that when we drink wine, it indirectly increases our feel-good chemical dopamine by inhibiting it from being broken down in the brain. That is why most people get that ‘high’, ‘happy’ feeling when they drink.
How much should we drink? About a glass of wine a day with the evening meal would be just perfect! Regularly drinking more only diminishes the effect, creating a tolerance that requires increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the same mood enhancement. The safe maximum is considered to be four units a day (21 units a week) for a man and three units a day (14 a week) for a woman.
Just be aware, that there are side effects in drinking too much wine. Some people keep increasing the dose to overcome their tolerance and end up being addicted.
Dopamine has the interesting ability to link with whatever visual image you are looking at when the chemical hits you. In other words, the very sight of alcohol can set off an addict’s synapses. Addiction can lead to dementia, psychosis, liver damage, depression - the very opposite of the intended effect - and even suicide. Too much wine or alcohol also reduces oxytocin, the chemical that makes you feel like cuddling.
But, there are also beneficial side effects to light drinking among middle-aged and older people, including improved cognitive function and, it seems, longevity.
So, the message is drink very moderately or don’t drink at all.
Drinking wine is good for you but in moderation. Visit Shawn’s website to learn more about Wine and It’s Goodness!
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Tags: alcohol addiction, being happy, effects of drinking, excessive drinking, longevity, Wine, wine drinking