The Bad and the Ugly (especially if drinking more than moderately):

• Higher risk of falls
• Raises triglyceride levels
• Increases blood pressure
• Increases abdominal fat
• Increases risk of oral cancer
• Affects short-term memory
• Increases chance of being involved in a vehicle accident
• Potential for alcohol abuse
• Adverse interactions with other medicines (either magnifying or minimizing their effects)
• Consuming calories in the form of alcohol instead of nutritious foods
• The latest studies, reported by the LA Times show that even at low levels of consumption, “as little as one drink a day increases a woman’s risk of several types of cancer by 13%…including tumors of the breast, esophagus, larynx, rectum and liver.”

As we age our body becomes more sensitive to the effects of alcohol – we may no longer be able to drink like we could when we were younger (assuming we did drink then). So is wine good for you? With the latest research, it seems the answer is yes and no.

Food of the gods and nectar of the gods – the bottom line on both dark chocolate and wine is the same – moderation is best.