Does cognac dilute the blood or thicken it — what does science say?

The topic of alcohol's effect on the blood has been thoroughly studied and widely covered. Among all the studies, the study of the effect of alcohol on the cardiovascular system has received the greatest development.

According to research, the effects of alcohol on the blood, heart and blood vessels can be both fruitful and harmful. It all depends on the dosage.

Special attention should be paid to the possibility of some alcoholic beverages to affect blood density and cholesterol levels.

In this article, we will focus in detail on cognac and its effect on blood viscosity. Is it really capable of thinning the blood and fighting its thickening? How else does it affect blood composition and cholesterol levels? All the answers are below.

The effect of alcohol on the circulatory system

Today, there is scientific evidence about the universal mechanism of alcohol's effect on blood viscosity. In general, alcohol when ingested, it initially dilutes the blood , which improves blood flow. This is a time of pleasure for man and the body. The process has external signs. It can be recognized by the following manifestations:

1. Redness of the skin;
2. Feeling of warmth in the body;
3. Frequent urge to urinate.

However, within half an hour after taking alcohol, the nature of the effect changes: the process of splitting ethanol and excreting decomposition products begins. This is accompanied by an abundant loss of moisture due to the fact that the decomposition products of ethanol attract the liquid in the body during excretion. The blood viscosity level increases accordingly, blood flow becomes difficult, negative symptoms of alcohol intoxication occur:

1. Dizziness;
2. Dryness in the mucous membranes;
3. Feeling unwell;
4. Shortness of breath;
5. Puffiness.

Again, this is a common mechanism of alcohol's effect on blood viscosity. It will be different for different alcoholic beverages.

So, for example, vodka, when excreted from the body, takes away the most liquid. Wine also works in its own way. Consider the effect of cognac on the blood.

The effect of cognac on the blood

Cognac is a noble drink not only in taste and aroma, but also in its effect on the body. With moderate consumption, it is able to correct the functioning of the cardiovascular system and improve blood flow. Learn more about the effect of cognac on the heart and blood vessels see in a separate article.

Cognac acts on the blood as follows:

1. In small doses cognac dilates blood vessels , lowers blood pressure;
2. Due to the presence of tannin and lingin, excess cholesterol is eliminated and cleanses the vessels ;
3. Improves the overall condition of the blood;
4. Tannins strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

The effect of cognac on blood viscosity differs somewhat from the universal mechanism of action . The fact is that due to its composition, cognac, when excreted from the body in relatively small doses, takes away the amount of moisture consumed when excreting comparable doses of wine.

 

Rules of use and daily allowance

The culture of cognac consumption is important. First, it is necessary to observe the dosage. For healthy people, the daily consumption rate for therapeutic and preventive purposes should be limited to 50 ml , and it is better not to drink in one gulp, but 25 ml each.

At a feast, you can afford 100-150 ml, but this will already exceed medical recommendations.

Secondly, the best effect is achieved by consuming outdoors, in a pleasant stop. For assimilation by the body, a number of conditions must be met, including sufficient fresh air and the absence of stress.

Thirdly, cognac is recommended to eat delicious and healthy food: nuts, bitter chocolate, fruits, berries, cheeses. In addition to the taste obtained when combining these products with cognac, recommendations for their consumption are due to their beneficial effect on the body and the cardiovascular system, including leveling negative effects of alcohol consumption .

Contraindications and possible harm

Cognac, like any alcohol-containing beverages, is contraindicated in diseases of the liver, kidneys, disorders of the lymphatic and nervous systems.

Cognac should be excluded from the diet for diabetes mellitus, severe operations during the recovery period, and also limit consumption with signs of hypertension.

Hypertensive patients can afford a daily dosage of up to 25 ml for women and up to 35 ml for men.

Also check out the infographic:

 

Useful Video

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Conclusion

So, the effects of alcohol on the human body in general and blood in particular are considered. The heterogeneous nature of alcohol's effect on the body has been established. It has been determined that cognac affects the body in its own way. The difference is due to the nature of the effects of cognac on the body, cardiovascular system and blood.

With responsible consumption, cognac is able to improve the condition of the blood, vascular walls, prevent the deposition of cholesterol and have a beneficial effect on the level of blood viscosity.

To achieve the best result, it is necessary to have no contraindications, comply with the conditions and the recommended consumption rate. It is better to discuss the possibility, necessity and risks of using cognac with your doctor. If atypical symptoms occur when intoxicated with cognac, it is also necessary to seek help from a specialist.