Grain is the main raw material for Baijiu, which is a common beverage, and alcohol is an important part of our traditional culture. There are many types of alcohol, including not only Baijiu but also beer, wine, rice wine, and yellow wine. A survey found that as Chinese men grow older, they tend to drink more Baijiu. Why is this? People who drink and those who don’t should know that alcohol contains many harmful substances. So, how much harm does it actually cause to the human body? Let’s take a closer look today!
As they age, Baijiu gradually becomes a symbol of quality.
Compared to beer, Baijiu is bitter, strong, and can be intoxicating. When young, people often don’t understand alcohol well and have limited knowledge of alcohol culture. Thus, during this age stage, they tend to drink more beer, seeking maturity without getting overly intoxicated.
As one grows older and busier with work, gathering with friends becomes more formal. Drinking beer at such times may be seen as a lack of understanding of alcohol. Therefore, as people age, drinking Baijiu symbolizes quality and facilitates more open discussions about work and life.
Drinking Baijiu may signify one’s increasing maturity and stability.
When young and carefree, whether canned or bottled beer, we are eager to make a toast and finish them off, reflecting the joy that young people seek.
With age, compared to the carefree nature of the past, one becomes more mature and stable. Thus, one may choose to slowly savor Baijiu in small cups while having a leisurely chat.
Perhaps, as people grow older, they enjoy drinking Baijiu to “drown their sorrows.”
As one grows older and accumulates life experiences, it is natural to feel melancholic, helpless, or even lonely. Having a drink or two of Baijiu at such times might blend various conflicting emotions into the alcohol, evoking a sense of temporary solace.
Reality check: The safest amount of alcohol consumption is zero. Regular consumption of Baijiu can lead to the following risks:
1. Damaging the central nervous system and liver.
The main component of Baijiu is ethanol, or alcohol. When alcohol enters the body, it can have various detrimental effects, with the most critical being on the central nervous system.
Alcohol can cause the central nervous system to shift from abnormal excitement to profound inhibition, severely damaging its normal function. Over time, this can lead to irreversible nerve system damage, seriously compromising health.
2. Increasing the risk of stomach diseases.
Baijiu is strong and more stimulating; consumption can irritate the stomach lining, leading to an increased risk of gastritis, gastric ulcers, and even stomach bleeding. It’s especially important to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
3. Endangering life safety.
Studies show that when the alcohol concentration in the blood reaches 0.05%, drinkers begin to feel excited; at 0.1%, they lose self-control; at 0.2%, they exhibit severe intoxication; and at 0.4%, they can lose consciousness, fall into a coma, with fatal risks.
In conclusion, alcohol consumption poses multiple hazards. For a healthy and long life, it’s best to actively refrain from drinking. During the process of quitting alcohol, remember to drink plenty of water, consume fresh leafy vegetables, avoid carbonated drinks, and prevent any adverse effects from quitting alcohol.
