Received ideas / they say...
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"Alcohol warms you up" This is an impression due to the dilation of blood vessels under the skin, but this heat escapes directly through the skin pores. All in all, the body's temperature is lowered by the intake of alcohol. The skin is red and hot, but the whole body cools down. Alcohol's diuretic effect, on the other hand, dehydrates and triggers the need to drink again. Coffee in no way alters the level of alcohol in the blood, and it is even recommended to avoid it because of its diuretic effects, which could further accentuate imbalances in the body. What's more, it's a stimulant and does nothing to reduce blood alcohol levels. Only time sobers.. |
"1 or 2 glasses a day protects against cardiovascular disease and heart attacks"
Some studies have indeed suggested this, but their results are disputed by certain health professionals, and in any case, it would only be valid for red wine and in very moderate quantities.
"Wine protects the heart"
Certain substances contained in red wine, such as phenolic compounds, could reduce the aggregation of blood platelets, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease such as infarction.
"Drinking beer is less serious than drinking whisky"
Some studies have highlighted a difference in the long-term risks incurred depending on the type of alcohol consumed, but their results are far from unanimous among scientists.
"A spoonful of oil or a fatty meal before drinking helps to hold the alcohol"
This will in fact reduce the speed at which alcohol is absorbed, and therefore its passage into the bloodstream. This doesn't mean you can drink more, because even if it's slower, all the alcohol you drink will eventually pass into your bloodstream.
"If you've had too much to drink, taking a paracetamol/aspirin before going to bed can prevent a hangover" No treatment seems to be really effective against hangovers. However, drinking water helps to rehydrate, and taking anti-inflammatory painkillers can help you feel better. The sedative effect of alcohol may indeed help you fall asleep, but it alters sleep cycles and quality, making sleep less restful. From a strictly energetic point of view, wine has more calories than beer. But in practice, a glass of wine contains around 12 cl, while a half contains twice as much beer. |
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"To lower your alcohol level, take a cool shower and drink several black coffees"
Neither a shower nor a cup of coffee lowers blood alcohol levels. Only time can do that. Nonetheless, both help to combat drowsiness.
"To avoid a headache, avoid mixing white wine with red wine"
It's not the mixtures themselves that are dangerous, but excess alcoholic beverages. However, some people have a particular sensitivity to white wines, characterized by headaches.
"Drinking on an empty stomach causes alcohol levels to rise more quickly"
Alcohol passes directly into the bloodstream without undergoing digestion. In fact, it is absorbed much more quickly if the stomach is empty at the time of consumption.
"Alcohol nourishes: 1 beer = 3 slices of toast"
Not true. Alcohol only provides useless calories without nutrients.
