What is a hangover?

The common hangover includes some or all of the following:

• Headache
• Poor sense of overall well being
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Trembling
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Trouble concentrating
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weakness

The most common symptoms are headache, fatigue and dehydration.

Other than the number of drinks consumed, hangovers can be made worse by drinking on an empty stomach, lack of sleep, increased physical activity while drinking, poor health, etc.

Here are some hangover myths/facts:

• Hair of a dog - myth
• Burnt toast - myth
• Black coffee - myth
• Fried or fatty foods - myth
• Eggs - fact
• Bananas - fact
• Water - fact
• Fruit juice - fact
• Painkiller - fact (if non-caffeinated and acetaminophen-free)
• Over-the counter-remedies - fact (if it is a carbon based product)
• Time - fact

The best way to avoid a hangover, is of course, not to drink alcohol. There were some researchers who found the following regimen that minimizes the symptoms of a hangover.

• Eat a full meal before drinking
• Drink a glass of water before drinking
• Take multi-vitamins before drinking
• Drink in moderation
• Drink a glass of water after every alcohol beverage
• Take two aspirin and a full glass of water before bed
• Take two more aspirin and a full glass of water in the morning
• Take another multi-vitamin in the morning
• Eat breakfast in the morning

Credits

http://www.howstuffworks.com/

Pros and Cons of Beer Consumption

It is now a proven fact that beer can provide the same health benefits as wine. Studies have shown that drinking beer in moderation can and will reduce the chances of strokes, as well as heart and vascular disease.

Who would think that there would be health benefits to drinking beer? Well, in everything, it has its pros and cons and we shall take a look at them now.

Pros

• Beer is nutritious if consumed in moderation
• Beer is fat-free and cholesterol free
• Has a relaxing effect on the body therefore reducing stress
• Helps you to sleep better
• Helps to prevent heart disease and improves the blood circulation
• Has been proven to have positive effects on elderly people as it promotes blood vessel dilation, sleep and urination

Cons

• Beer is low in sugar, but can cause your sugar levels to drop
• Beer is very nutritious, but it can destroy Vitamin C
• Beer is 98% water, but still a diuretic
• Drinking in excess has been associated with an increased risk of several serious health ailments. such as cancer, high blood pressure, and liver disease
• Beer contains no fat, but it does cause the "Beer Belly"

Beer is a wholesome drink that is made from natural ingredients, but like anything that is overused or overly consumed into the body, it, too, can cause damage and become dangerous for us. For moderate drinkers, beer can be nutritious.

‘Beer, if drank in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health.’

Introduction

Beer comes in a wide variety of styles, each with their own individual flavours, strengths and textures. An alcoholic beverage must contain malted barley, yeast and water in order for it to qualify as a beer.

Beer is the world's oldest and most popular alcoholic beverage. The moderate consumption of beer has been associated with a decreased risk of cardiac disease, stroke and cognitive decline. However, there is strong evidence that heavy and prolonged consumption of alcohol leads to liver disease including cirrhosis and malignancy. Heavy alcohol consumption has also been linked to pancreatitis and gout.

Beer style is a term used to differentiate and categorize beers by various factors such as colour, flavour, strength, ingredients, production method, recipe, history, or origin.

Beers may be categorized based on a number of factors:

• Aroma
• Flavour
• Appearance
• Mouthfeel
• Strength
• Yeast
• Grains
• Hops
• Water
• Other Ingredients

Beer styles all fall into two broad types, determined by where the yeast sits during fermentation: ales and lagers.

Over the next few posts, I shall be touching in detail on all aspects related to beer.