Back in the old West, before painkillers, they used to give you a shot of whiskey and have you bite a bullet before causing you pain. Today, at the first twinge of pain, there are numerous options from homeopathic to hallucinogenic.
Medicinal properties of alcohol date back to Egypt and most civilizations have fermented some type of beverage as it was often safer to drink than their water. The antibacterial activity of red and white wine helps explain wine's legendary reputation as a digestive aid. Alcohol was also known to be an effective analgesic.
The relationship between alcohol and health was not fully researched until 1926 when Dr. Raymond Pearl published a book called Alcohol and Longevity, in which he reported his finding that drinking alcohol in moderation was associated with greater longevity than either abstaining or drinking heavily. Alcohol increases the good cholesterol or HDL and decreases blood clotting, increases insulin activity and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's Disease.
Moderate consumption is defined as two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. So, for whatever pains you are feeling or just for a longer, healthier life, raise your glass!
Cheers, Salud, Prost, Santé, Skål, L'Chaim, Cin cin !
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Wine, food, travel and musings from a rural MN perspective.
