"Alcohol is the essence of food." Alcohol has become one of the essential drinks in our daily life. As the saying goes, "A little drink brings joy, excessive drinking harms the body." Alcohol is a double-edged sword, it is beneficial to health in moderation, but excessive consumption can damage the body. In the scorching summer, chilled alcoholic beverages often become the drink of choice to beat the heat, so drinking alcohol in summer requires some considerations. It's important to choose the right type and drink in moderation.
1. What alcohol to drink in summer
In the hot summer weather, it is advisable to drink lighter alcoholic beverages, while fiery baijiu (a type of Chinese liquor) and other strong spirits are not suitable for consumption in summer. These strong spirits not only make people feel hot, but can also cause internal heat and even hypertension. The types of alcohol that are suitable for consumption in summer are as follows:
(1) Wine
Wine can be divided into white wine, red wine, and rosé wine. All three types of wine are suitable for consumption in summer, with white wine having a cooling effect and being the most suitable for summer consumption. In addition, wine is rich in vitamins and contains trace elements such as manganese, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, which can reduce blood viscosity, prevent blood clots, and prevent arteriosclerosis. However, the daily consumption of wine should not exceed 100 milliliters.
(2) Beer
Beer can be considered the most "common" choice for summer, and various beer festivals usually take place in summer. Beer contains 17 essential amino acids and 10 vitamins, which have the benefits of invigorating blood circulation, relieving heat, and pain. It also increases appetite, stimulates gastric acid secretion, and improves digestion, making it suitable for consumption in summer. However, due to its high calorie content, excessive consumption is not recommended. It is advisable to drink no more than 500 milliliters per day.
(3) Yangmei Wine
Summer is the season when yangmei (a type of fruit) ripens. Wine made from yangmei has the effects of clearing heat, invigorating Qi, nourishing Yin, removing dampness, invigorating the spleen, and stimulating appetite. It can also treat symptoms such as heat stroke, making it a medicinal wine suitable for ordinary people to drink. Although yangmei wine can be consumed as a beverage, it should not be consumed excessively. The recommended daily consumption should not exceed 500 milliliters.
(4) Rice Wine
Rice wine has the effects of invigorating the spleen, nourishing the stomach, and promoting appetite, making it very suitable for consumption in summer. It is particularly suitable to be consumed with meals.
2. How to drink alcohol in the scorching summer
As the saying goes, "The wine is not intoxicating, people intoxicate themselves." Although drinking alcohol in moderation can be beneficial to the body and mind, if alcohol is not consumed properly, it can be harmful to the body. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the way alcohol is consumed, especially in the hot summer. In summer, the first thing to note is that the alcohol should not be too cold. The optimal drinking temperature for alcoholic beverages is generally between 8°C and 10°C. Excessively low temperatures can damage the nutrients in the alcohol and prevent them from exerting their intended effects. Moreover, drinking excessively cold alcoholic beverages in summer can also harm the stomach and intestines.
The second thing to consider is the pairing of alcohol with food. Beer is not suitable for consumption with pickled and smoked foods, as these foods contain harmful substances such as organic amines, and beer can promote the absorption of these harmful substances, which is harmful to the body. It is also best not to mix red wine with Sprite, as the carbon dioxide released by carbonated drinks in the stomach can promote alcohol absorption and cause harm to the digestive system.
The last thing to consider is the timing of alcohol consumption. The most suitable time for drinking alcohol is after 2 p.m. each day, as the concentration of alcohol-decomposing enzymes in the stomach is higher at this time, making it easier for the body to absorb alcohol and reducing the risk of food poisoning. It is not advisable to drink alcohol on an empty stomach or before bedtime. Only a small glass of wine is suitable for consumption before bedtime.
