Drinking alcohol is ingrained into British culture as much as having a cup of tea. We are known for our communities centring on pubs and it isn’t unusual to go for a quick drink before dinner or going home. Even modern Asian households have incorporated this part of British culture into their lives.
Amidst ministers calling for a review of the drinking guidelines to encourage people not drink at least 2 days out of 7, what I find fascinating is how we as a country have slipped into drinking wine like the French. It is on the dinner table and families are used to having a glass or two a night.
It’s easy to get into a one glass a day and then one bottle of day habit, isn’t it? Especially with wine…. It is not synonymous to Gin and Vodka and other drinks associated with alcoholism. Wine is sophisticated, cool and family friendly. How many of us may open a bottle of wine with dinner nearly everyday? I used to and know many people who still do. I used to work in the media and was surrounded by people who drank at lunchtime as well as in the evening everyday.
Well, whilst a glass of red wine a day may help reduce the risk of breast cancer it can also increase the risk of liver disease so abstaining for at least two days a week is beneficial. Did the Government really need to spend money on a report to come to that conclusion? Most doctors will tell you that sustained regular drinking damages your liver and it is better not to consume that to.
It would be my suggestion to not only focus on the amount that is consumed but also to consider changing the perception of drinks such as wine which have become common household items.
Bunty
The Chatterjis Blog 