Moderate alcohol intake through either beer or wine assists the elderly who is 65 years old and above to live longer than their counterparts who do not drink. Tola Atinmo, Professor of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan; made this declaration during the First Nigerian Beer & Health Symposium which took place at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
Speaking on the topic, “Beer as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle”, Prof. Atinmo said there is evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with better cognitive function in old age.
Moderate consumption of wine and beer, according to him, reduces the odds of developing age-induced mascular degeneration. His words: “Light to moderate consumption of alcohol reduces the risk of those 65 and older from dying of cardiovascular disease. In fact, low doses of alcohol, including beer, stimulate appetite and promote bowel function in the elderly.”
On the moderate consumption level, the university Don made reference to the suggestion made by the World Health Organization that 60 grams of alcohol consumption per day should be the maximum standard. For a beer of 5% alcohol by volume, which equates to approximately 4% alcohol by weight, Prof. Atinmo said this translates to 1.5 litres.
Just like in other food items, he noted that beer also contains some materials that are injurious to health if consumption exceeds certain levels. His words: “The risks become acceptably low provided proper precautions are taken, such safety measures hinging around proper storage conditions in respect of moisture content and temperature.”
On the effects of alcohol consumption on sexual ability by men, Prof. Atinmo stated that excessive intake interferes with the function of the three main components of the male reproductive system: the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland and the testes. The impact, he added, is impotence, infertility and reduced secondary sexual characteristics.
The university Don also warned that women who binge-drink (four or five drinks at one sitting) rather than consume alcohol moderately, e.g. one drink daily; are likely to deliver children with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), in which there are malformations in the child.
Meanwhile, he advised all alcohol consumers not to substitute food and other healthy consumables with beer; to always have a balanced and nutritive diet as part of their lifestyle; as well as have a sustained and adequate physical exercise regime.
Prof. Atinmo added that the practice of good hygiene coupled with frequent medical checks and prompt treatment of diseases or disease pre-disposing factors is compulsory for every consumer of alcohol; stressing: “It is only through the combination of the above that a moderate consumption of beer will yield any benefit and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.”
