Thread: How dangerous is whisky?

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Research the french paradox

Unless science has revised their view, the French paradox was related to red wine & not all alcohol. Something to do with the antioxidants in red grapes so only indirectly related to wine. Nonetheless I always enjoy a scotch

As long as you don't climb into the drivers seat after imbibing moderation is OK.

Originally Posted by osdset

With regard to the long term physical effects I can only speak for myself, I've been drinking socially since the age of 16 I'm now 56 and have suffered no ill effects (according to my last medical)

Up until about 2 weeks ago I'd always figured that drinking small but regular quantities of alcohol was relatively risk free. Just before Christmas one of my best friends (we're all in our late fifties) was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. I'm certain he's not been a secret drinker, I've known him since we were both 4 years old, nothing about his behaviour has ever suggested that.
I always thought that only heavy drinkers were susceptible. The hospital consultant said that liver damage doesn't usually give much warning, once the symptoms become evident, the damage is most likely irreversible.
Visiting him in hospital most days watching his health rapidly decline has made me cut back considerably. One beer or one glass of wine only in the evening and at least 2-3 alcohol free days every week.

A vast majority of the alcohol caused deaths that I have had knowledge of have been fast and violent. Vehicle crashes or arguments. The latest is a friend of my sons who smashed his head on a light pole after hitting the curb with his scooter. 19 yrs old, not enough time to effect his liver etc.
On the other end of the spectrum a guy I knew in high school passed out in a snow bank and froze to death. Again no "long" term effects.

All of them involved more than an ounce or three. IF you practice moderation, something else will get you first.

Originally Posted by welshwizard

Up until about 2 weeks ago I'd always figured that drinking small but regular quantities of alcohol was relatively risk free.

Small and regular should be fine. Most French people I know drink a glass every day.
The problem is that the more you drink, the more your definition of 'small' changes.

from the point of view of someone who hasn't had a drink in almost 32 years, and who probably spilled more than you dainty drinkers actually swill down, (precious little teeny drams of single malt Scotch) this thread is a riot. Thank you God, is all i have to say. to paraphrase the Godfather, "why can't you drink like a MAN!"

I definitely agree with pixelfixed. IMHO alcohol, in moderation, is not harmful to one's health.

I have a glass of red wine with my dinner every evening. Red wine is my go to alcoholic beverage because of the alleged positive health benefits.

On special occasions, I will have either rye or a single malt scotch whiskey.

If you exercise on a regular basis and eat healthy, there is no reason why a glass of John Barley Corn now and then will damage your health.

Just my 2 cents.

IME, I've found gin to be way more dangerous than whiskey.

Originally Posted by Theseus

IME, I've found gin to be way more dangerous than whiskey.

Ah Gin.was my only libation back in the day,But friends,do not use gin as a libation,gin is a drug.Should be controlled by the DEA.

A freshman level biology teacher arranged a demonstration for his class.
He took two earth worms and in front of the class he did the following:
He dropped the first worm into a beaker of water where it dropped to the
bottom and wriggled about. He dropped the second worm into a beaker of ethyl
alchohol and it immediately shriveled up and died. He asked the class if
anyone knew what this demonstration was intended to show them.

A young man in the second row immediately shot his arm up and, when called on said,
"You're showing us that if you drink alcohol, you won't have worms."