Consume alcohol responsibly
Responsible alcohol consumption involves making informed and conscious choices about when and how much to drink. Moderation is key: it involves limiting the amount you drink and being aware of your moods and the situations in which you drink. Self-control is essential to prevent alcohol consumption from becoming a harmful habit.
Difference between zero risk and low risk
When talking about the risks associated with alcohol consumption, it is important to distinguish between zero risk and low risk, because these terms help us understand how much they can affect our health.
Let’s start with zero risk, which in simple terms means not drinking at all. Those who do not drink alcohol, or decide to abstain completely, do not run any risk related to the negative effects of drinking. It is a choice that completely eliminates the possibility of developing problems such as liver disease, tumors, addiction or even the risk of alcohol-related accidents. Although it is sometimes said that a glass of wine can have benefits, from a medical point of view, the lowest possible level of risk is achieved by not drinking at all.
Low risk, on the other hand, refers to moderate alcohol consumption, which reduces the risks compared to heavy drinking, but does not eliminate them entirely. Guidelines vary, but generally speaking, “low risk” is when you drink within a certain range. Men can tolerate slightly more than women. The main reason is that women’s bodies metabolize alcohol differently than men’s. In general, women tend to absorb alcohol more quickly and eliminate it more slowly, making them more vulnerable to its effects, even with smaller amounts.
This means that even if women drink the same amount of alcohol, they can suffer more harm than men. However, low-risk drinking is not without consequences, so although the dangers are less than those of drinking to excess, there is no such thing as completely safe alcohol consumption.
How Much is Too Much? Discover the Limits
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as follows:
Men
Women and individuals over 65 years of age
A “standard drink” is generally considered to be equivalent to approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol, which corresponds to:
350 ml of beer
(5% alcohol)
150 ml of wine
(12% alcohol)
44 ml of liquor
(40% alcohol)
Never Drink and Drive
Also, Do Not Drink If:
You are pregnant: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a condition that leads to permanent disabilities in the newborn.
You are underage or elderly: Underage drinking is especially problematic. Early exposure to alcohol can damage neurological and behavioral development, increasing the risk of mental health problems and addiction in adulthood. Alcohol can also have more pronounced effects on older adults, due to age-related physiological changes, such as decreased muscle mass, a decreased ability to metabolize alcohol, and increased sensitivity to its effects.
You are engaged in a work activity: Alcohol consumption can impair concentration, reflexes and the ability to make decisions, making the work dangerous, especially in activities that require precision or the use of heavy machinery.
Alcohol and Addiction
Regular, uncontrolled alcohol consumption can lead to the development of dependence, a physical and psychological condition that seriously compromises the quality of life. Alcohol abuse can create tolerance, forcing the person to drink increasingly larger quantities to achieve the same effect, increasing the risk of physical, social and mental harm. Alcohol dependence can have devastating effects on relationships, work and general health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease and mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.
At Lebovitz, we have been promoting responsible consumption for generations and selecting the best wines to bring authentic flavors and ancient traditions into your homes. For us, wine is much more than a drink: it is a moment to be lived consciously, with respect for oneself and others.