By Akinwale Akinyoade
13 September 2019 | 5:00 pm
It is next to impossible to avoid a good beverage especially during social interactions hence why it is necessary to make healthy choices in deciding which beverage to take. There is a long-standing debate on the merits of various beverages, including soft drinks and alcohol.Which one is the healthier choice? Continuing reading on the details…
It is next to impossible to avoid a good beverage especially during social interactions hence why it is necessary to make healthy choices in deciding which beverage to take.
There is a long-standing debate on the merits of various beverages, including soft drinks and alcohol.Which one is the healthier choice? Continuing reading on the details about the healthier choice between alcohol and soft drinks.
Nutrition:
If you are to compare alcohol and soft drinks from a nutrition point of view then alcohol is easily your winner as soft drinks have absolutely no nutritional value with processed sugar being one of the major components. Sugar will bring down your insulin resistance due to the rise of toxin influx in the body and this makes you a prey to diseases like diabetes. On the other hand, beer contains a small amount of protein due to the ingredients added when it is brewed for consumption and also containssome amount of antioxidants andpotassium.
Kilo calories:
Both alcohol and soft drinks contain plenty of kilo calories but on the parameter of kilo calories, soft drinks are a healthier choice over alcohol. Peopletend to drink soft drinks at a slower pace, which means that they consume less of it. Once you start enjoying an alcoholic drink, you tend to take more of them and much faster. Also, alcohol makes you hungry, which implies that you start reaching out for various kinds of snacks and other unhealthy food. In such cases, you will tend to gain weight much faster if you choose alcohol every time. This will not really be the case when you choose soft drinks.
Toxins:
Alcohol is brewed in such a way that ensures itcarries a lot of toxins, which are not good for the liver and heart in the long run. These toxins can easily clog the arteries and create complications for the functioning of the liver.
Glycemic index:This is the count that is accorded to the level ofinsulin resistancein one’s drink of choice. For alcohol, the glycemic resistance is much higher, which means that you have better insulin resistance as compared to other soft drinks, which are high insugarcontent. Therefore, it makes alcohol a highly unhealthy choice, which can also result indiabetesin the long run, if one ingests too much of it.
Please note, the medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used asa substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
I'm an expert in nutrition and wellness, deeply immersed in the science behind dietary choices and their impact on health. My expertise is founded on a comprehensive understanding of various beverages and their effects on the human body. Let's delve into the article by Akinwale Akinyoade, published on September 13, 2019, which addresses the ongoing debate on the merits of soft drinks and alcohol in terms of health.
The article begins by emphasizing the difficulty of avoiding beverages, especially in social interactions, and highlights the importance of making healthy choices. To ascertain the healthier choice between soft drinks and alcohol, the author explores several key concepts:
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Nutrition: From a nutritional standpoint, the article posits that alcohol emerges as the winner over soft drinks. Soft drinks are criticized for having no nutritional value, with processed sugar being a major component. The article suggests that the consumption of sugar in soft drinks can lead to a decline in insulin resistance, making individuals susceptible to diseases like diabetes. On the contrary, beer, a type of alcohol, is mentioned to contain a small amount of protein due to brewing ingredients and also includes some antioxidants and potassium.
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Kilo Calories: The comparison extends to the caloric content of both alcohol and soft drinks. Despite both being high in kilo calories, soft drinks are deemed a healthier choice due to the observation that people tend to consume them at a slower pace, resulting in overall lower calorie intake. In contrast, alcohol consumption is associated with a faster pace and increased overall intake, potentially leading to weight gain. The article notes that alcohol can induce hunger, prompting individuals to reach for unhealthy snacks and food.
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Toxins: The article discusses the brewing process of alcohol, highlighting that it carries a significant amount of toxins. These toxins are portrayed as potentially harmful to the liver and heart, suggesting that they may contribute to complications such as clogged arteries and compromised liver function.
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Glycemic Index: The glycemic index is introduced as a measure of insulin resistance in one's drink of choice. According to the article, alcohol is associated with a higher glycemic resistance, implying better insulin resistance compared to soft drinks high in sugar content. However, the article warns that excessive alcohol consumption can still lead to health issues, including diabetes in the long run.
In conclusion, the article provides a nuanced perspective on the health implications of choosing between alcohol and soft drinks, considering factors such as nutrition, caloric content, toxins, and glycemic index. It is important to note that the information presented in the article serves as an informative resource and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and treatment.
