Advisement on beverages to avoid during barbecues, as provided by a medical professional.
Shashlik and Booze: A Deadly Duo?
Beware of that shashlik-and-alcohol combo, folks! Combining certain types of alcohol with fatty meat can wreak havoc on your health. That's what endocrinologist Galina Smirnova warned in an interview with Lenta.ru.
Stay clear of pairing shashlik with carbonated and sweet alcoholic beverages, including beer, champagne, and cocktails with bubbles. Why? Well, the carbonic acid in these drinks speeds up alcohol absorption, leading to a fast trip to Buzzville and potential poisoning of your body. Adding sugar to the mix only inches up the calorie count.
So, what gives exactly? Pairing these drinks with fatty meats puts an additional strain on your stomach. The body's gotta juggle the simultaneous tasks of digesting heavy protein-fat food and neutralizing alcohol. This double duty hinders the work of enzymes and slows down digestion, causing stomach discomfort and heaviness.
Moreover, your liver has to work overtime breaking down the extra alcohol while the fats and carbs from the food struggle to get absorbed, potentially disrupting the function of your pancreas.
Fun Fact: Did you know that more than half of Russians consider pork shashlik the tastiest? Just remember, enjoying your favorite bite doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your health!
- Now, meet the real culprits lurking in your shashlik-and-booze duo:
- Calorie Overload: Shashlik is often rich in protein and fat, especially if the meat isn't lean. Adding sweet alcoholic drinks to the mix can lead to a high-calorie intake, potentially contributing to weight gain and obesity in the long run.
- Heart Disease: Consuming large amounts of red meat, as is common in shashlik, can boost the risk of heart disease due to the high saturated fat content. Adding sweet and carbonated drinks may further increase this risk, leading to high blood pressure and metabolic issues.
- Digestive Issues: The combo of fatty meats and carbonated drinks can cause bloating, gas, and indigestion. Sweet alcoholic beverages can make these symptoms worse.
- Dehydration: Carbonated drinks can leave you dehydrated if you fail to drink enough water. Alcohol, being a diuretic, can make this effect worse.
- Cancer Risk: There's evidence that consuming processed and grilled meats at high temperatures can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer. While not directly related to the drinks, the overall diet should still be taken into account.
- Nutrient Imbalance: Regularly indulging in high-calorie, high-fat foods and sweet drinks can lead to a nutrient imbalance, potentially causing deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
To dodge these pitfalls:- Opt for leaner meats.- Keep your meals balanced with veggies and fruits.- Stay hydrated with water.- Moderate your consumption of sweet and carbonated beverages.- Keep a check on your booze intake to avoid excessive consumption.
- Aim to prioritize health-and-wellness when creating your shashlik-and-booze duo by making smart choices. Opt for leaner cuts of meat to minimize the calorie overload, thereby reducing potential weight gain and obesity.
- Instead of pairing alcoholic beverages with fatty meats, consider nutritious options like eating fitness-and-exercise-friendly side dishes, such as salads, grilled vegetables, or whole grains, to maintain a balanced diet.
- Additionally, compensate for the dehydrating effects of carbonated drinks and alcohol by regularly consuming water, and limit your intake of sweet and carbonated beverages to keep your risk of heart disease, digestive issues, cancer, and nutrient imbalance at bay.
