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Guilty pleasures: Wine or why not?

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date24 April 2024
Publication titleDaily Star (England)
Here, GP Dr Suhail Hussain, left, (drsuhailhussain.com) tells NATASHA HOLT which of our questionable food and drink habits we really should kick into touch

A spoonful of sugar in tea Must I quit? YES.

The odd spoonful of sugar in your hot drink might not sound like a problem, but bear in mind that your total sugar consumption should be 30g - or seven teaspoons - per day.

"If you have four cups of tea a day, that's four teaspoons of sugar just in your tea. It's an easy thing to give up," says Dr Hussain.

A weekly takeaway Must I quit? NO.

After a hard week, many of us look forward to tucking into our favourite takeaway. However, recent research has shown that eating one twice a week is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

That said, not all takeaway food is created equal and Dr Hussain believes that as long as chosen carefully, we don't have to give up this weekly treat just yet.

He says: "Incorporating occasional takeout meals into an overall healthy diet can promote a balanced approach to food consumption. The key is making smarter choices, opting for dishes rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains."

A nightly glass of wine Must I quit? YES.

According to the latest figures, 8% of men and 5% of women in the UK drink daily. But is a nightly glass of wine really so bad if it's part of an otherwise healthy lifestyle?

Well, yes, according to Dr Hussain. "Moderate consumption is linked to certain health benefits like improved heart health. However, it's essential to balance these benefits with potential risks, including liver disease, certain cancers and alcohol dependence. The recommended maximum alcohol intake is 14 units per week, and one glass of wine contains approximately 2.5 units, putting you over the limit immediately if you drink every night."

Adding salt to meals Must I quit? NO.

According to research, people who always add salt to their dinner are 28% more likely to suffer an early death.

But Dr Hussain thinks the risk can be minimised if you cook from scratch: "While salt is essential for bodily...

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