Wine producers touted the results of a scientific study as proof that wine is good for your health. A 1992 research study showed a correlation between high wine consumption rates in France and the low death rates in France from coronary heart disease. Further studies reported that a pattern of diet and alcohol consumption in other European countries seemed to support the earlier study.They stated that alcohol can lower heart disease.

Red wine does contain flavonoids which do work as antioxidants. It is possible that the antioxidants can help to reduce fat build up on the inner walls of the arteries. Scientists also are studying whether red wine may help maintain the flexibility of the blood vessel. Alcohol and heart problems need to be further studied.

These studies seem premature in their finding and do not consider that alcoholic drinks harm more than they help. It does address real issues with alcohol problems. A major risk of chronic alcohol use is the long-term damage that can be done to the internal organs of the body. For example, alcohol abuse is the leading factor of liver cirrhosis.

The scarred tissue of the liver cannot be returned to good health. The liver is responsible for metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates as well as the major function of excretion of waste products from the body. An alcoholic problem can also lead to stomach ulcers, weight gain, fertility issues, and exhaustion of vital minerals and vitamins.

Doctors are cautious about alcohol consumption. In fact, generally, a woman (not pregnant) can have one drink daily. A man can consume two drinks daily. However, it should be the recommended serving size. For example, a standard drink is described as follows: 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of wine cooler, 12 ounces of beer or 1.5 ounce of 80-proof distilled liquor.

Current trends of alcoholic consumption have focused on carbohydrates. Many diet plans have limited carbohydrate consumption and this is a continuation of those plans.

A newer entry has been non-alcoholic drinks such as beers. They are malt-based beverage geared towards those who cannot consume alcohol: pregnant women, designated drivers and those with health concern that prohibit any malt-based products. There have not been studies on the health benefits of these drinks.

Doctors continue to state that the best non-alcoholic drink is pure water. It is the healthiest beverage choice. It helps to remove toxins and waste from your body. Water keeps the heart healthy and improves the condition of skin.

Though the directions might seem longer than your usual cocktail recipe, don’t be put off: it’s actually a lot simpler than it looks.

Turkish Mint Drink Recipes 

Ingredients:
1 kg raw sugar
600 ml water
300 ml cider vinegar
1 cup fresh mint or spearmint

Preparation:
1 Bring the water to a boil, add the sugar, dissolve and then add the vinegar.
2 Bring to boil again and then simmer for at least 30 minutes.
3 Add the mint, remove from the heat immediately and cover pot with a firm fitting lid. Allow to cool.
4 When cool, transfer to dry bottles along with the mint leaves for storage.
5 Serve with water and ice in the desired proportions. Garnish with a few fresh mint or spearmint leaves.

Lime Mint Iced Tea Recipes

For those of us who love a cup of tea, there’s nothing better in a hot, sunny summer day than a glass of Iced tea. The good thing about it is that you can have any flavors of tea you like made into Iced tea in just a few steps. But there are also some special recipes for more refreshing drinks.

First, the ingredients for the Lime Mint iced tea (enough for 4 people):
- 1 quart boiled water
- 4 tea bags (regular)
- 1 3/4 cups fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of lime juice (preferably, freshly squeezed)

Once the water is boiled, mix the tea bags, mint leaves and sugar in it. Let it steep for 15 minutes and strain out the tea bags and mint leaves. Chill and then mix in the lime juice.
Serve in glasses with Ice.

Chocolate Mint Drink Recipes

This is a chocolate mint drink with milk, ice cream, malted milk powder, and mint flavoring.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup chocolate malted milk powder
4 cups cold milk
dash salt
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pint chocolate or vanilla ice cream

Preparation:
In a pitcher, dissolve malted milk powder in about 1 cup of the milk; add remaining milk. Stir in salt, peppermint, and vanilla extract. Chill thoroughly. Pour into glasses and add a scoop of ice cream just before serving.
Serves 4 to 6.

Orange Mint Tea Recipes

Orange mint tea recipe is a drink with orange juice, freshly made tea, and mint leaves, along with lemon juice and sugar.

Ingredients:
2 cups water
2 tea bags
3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons sugar
4 cups orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation:
In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil; remove from heat. Add tea bags, mint leaves, and sugar; let stand 10 minutes. Remove tea bags. Transfer to a large pitcher; stir in orange juice and lemon juice. chill thoroughly before serving.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Try and write if you enjoy it!

Ever read the ingredients label on that can of soda? Grab one now and read it. Surprising, isn’t it? Most likely the top ingredients are corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup, two very concentrated forms of sweetener, and a whole list of artificial ingredients. Like sugar-free? What does that label say? Anything “natural” in it?

The supermarket has hundreds of delicious, refreshing alternatives to the nutrient-free soda.

1. Club soda mixed with pomegranate juice. 160 calories per cup; still bubbly.2. Tonic water with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Only 80 calories; still bubbly.

3. Light yogurt and fruit smoothie.. Creamy and sweet, high in calcium and only 174 calories per cup.

4. Tomato juice or V8. Packed with flavor; high in vitamins C, A, and potassium and only 50 calories per cup.

5. Flavored seltzer. Carbonated, but zero calories.

6. Energy drink (such as Gatorade). Tastes sweet, 60 calories per cup, contains electrolytes.

7. Apple cider. Has 120 calories per cup, but packs a tangy, substantial flavor.

8. Milk, whole or skim. High in calcium and protein–and you need both. With 145 calories per cup of whole milk; 85 calories for skim.

9. Ovaltine made with skim milk. It’s chocolaty, fortified with vitamins and minerals, high in calcium and protein and 170 calories per cup.

10. Tea or coffee, unsweetened. Get a boost on less than five calories per cup, plus it’s high in antioxidants.

Content provided by Revolution Health Group