Wednesday, October 8, 2014

If you’re partial to pouring yourself a glass of wine after work, be extra careful. You might actually be drinking more than you think, which could result in an unexpected hangover the next morning -- or even certain health problems.

Prevent a hangover before it starts.

Most people think of a glass of wine as just one serving, but depending on the size, shape and location of your wine glass, it could be closer to two -- or even three! A small study of 73 participants published in the September 2013 edition of the journal of Substance Use and Misuse found that people tend to over-pour vino if their glass is wide, or if they are holding the glass in their hand instead of placing it on a table. The color of the wine matters, too. People filled a clear glass with a larger serving of white wine than red wine.

The reason is simple: People can’t gauge volume very well. They tend to notice vertical measurements more than horizontal ones. And color contrast catches the eye, too. Pouring a dark wine into a narrow glass resting on a table makes the glass appear more full, and that means you drink less.

Can’t go to the gym? Find out why drinking vino is a good option.

Pouring Over Proper Serving SizeFor men, moderate drinking is two drinks a day, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That means two 5-ounce glasses of wine, or if you prefer the hard stuff, two 1.5-ounce glasses of 80 proof liquor.

Why Too Much Isn’t a Good ThingThe next time you uncork that bottle of Pinot, know this: While moderate drinking has been shown to provide numerous health benefits, overindulging has its drawbacks.
  • It can short-circuit your sex life. As the amount of alcohol in the blood increases, it depresses the brain’s ability to sense sexual stimulation. It can also suppress testosterone production.
  • It can hurt your heart. Overdoing it will eventually lead to hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and heart disease.
  • It can make you fat. Don’t forget: Alcohol is full of calories -- about 100 per serving of wine -- which in excess can lead to obesity and an increased risk for diabetes. 

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