What Chemicals Are You Imbibing In Your Favourite Wine or Beer?

WARNING: Not for the faint-hearted! Information in this article may disturb some readers.

A stubble-faced man orders a beer from the bubbly bar girl and then sits in the beer garden, watching the world go by, sipping his icy cold beverage. A couple laughs whilst dining with friends, chewing on exquisite food and swirling, then swallowing their red wine. Lazing by the pool on a gorgeous sunny day, a sun-kissed young lady sips on a glass of her parents’ finest white wine

What do these three have in common? All of them are completely oblivious to the fact they are actually downing a mouthful of harmful chemicals.

Just a beer?

Did you know that your average glass of beer or wine contains a cocktail of chemicals and additives such as preservatives, colours, flavours, emulsifiers, and stabilizers? And the list goes on. Did you know that drinking such chemicals as these forces your liver to work overtime to detoxify them, contributing to liver damage? In fact there are a lot of things that people don’t know about what goes into their casual beer or wine.

Actually, it is not surprising that the majority of consumers are simply unaware of these facts. Gathering information on why commercial beer and wine are bad for your health is like finding a needle in a haystack. Most consumers probably wouldn’t be bothered sifting through page after page of information on how beneficial these alcoholic beverages are, not to mention that you won’t find most ingredients displayed on the labels. Luckily Conscious Living has done the work for you and we’ll show you why ‘organic’ is the way to go.

Alcoholic beverages affect more than cognitive function

Many of the chemicals in beer and wine are fat soluble, which means that they are stored in fat tissue once ingested. This can cause problems if the body is subject to prolonged fasting or disease resulting in weight loss. The chemicals may be released into the bloodstream in excess and cause some distressing symptoms, striking at a time when you most need a strong healthy body. Sulfites such as sulfur dioxide and metabisulfite are preservatives widely used in beer and wine mainly to prevent bacterial growth.

This is the chemical most likely to cause side effects and sensitive people should steer clear of it. Susceptible drinkers may experience one of many symptoms including swelling of hands, feet, and larynx, dermatitis, abdominal distress, and respiratory problems, which will target asthmatics. Sulfiting agents have also been the cause of at least 12 deaths so far. Research has found that the extent of stimulants’ effects in alcohol depends on the drinkers’ state of health. This means that for those who already have an unhealthy body the chemicals may cause a more adverse effect. Other studies have uncovered a possible link between alcoholism and the chemicals found in alcoholic beverages.

“Just one more . . .”

Binge drinking, the consumption of more than five alcoholic drinks in a short space of time, has some frightening effects on the body as most people know. Many of these negative effects are largely caused by the chemicals present in the drinks. After each binge the body’s digestive tract becomes overgrown with harmful microbes. The bacterial toxins resulting from this is thought to be the main cause of the dreaded hangover.

There is also a long list of additives commonly added to commercial beer and wine such as caramel, Irish moss, propylene glycol alginate, heptyl paraben, beta-glucanase, and glycerol. Although most people would think of it as a delicious, sweet treat, caramel can cause hyperactivity in some consumers. Some caramels may damage genes, slow growth, enlarge intestines and kidneys, and even destroy vitamin B.

Don’t be seduced by the names

It may sound extravagant but Irish moss is not. It has been recently linked to cancer, although this may only occur if it becomes contaminated when ethylene oxide is added. It has also been associated with causing ulcers and may become degraded in the gut. Propylene glycol alginate is derived from petroleum and is used to stabilize the foam or head of the beer. In large quantities, this additive can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients and cause allergic reactions but overall there have not been enough tests done.

It is also used in germicides, paint removers, and anti-freeze. Preservative heptyl paraben has never been tested in the presence of alcohol. The liquid acid beta-glucanase may, in some cases, induce sensitivity and cause allergic-type reactions. Prolonged use may cause minor irritations with the eyes, skin, or the mucous membrane of the nose. In large quantities, Glycerol, an oily colourless alcohol, can cause headaches, thirst, nausea, and high blood sugar levels. Sound familiar? Furthermore, most commercial beer and wine ingredients and recipes are not readily disclosed.

Which wine?

Even though there has been much media coverage about the health benefits of drinking a glass of beer or wine each day, I would think that any positive effects would be overpowered by the harmful effect of the chemicals, wouldn’t you?

On the other hand, organic, biodynamic, and chemical-free beer and wine is the healthier alternative, the safer option. The argument for organic alcoholic beverages is short and sweet. Most consist of all-natural and original ingredients, all of which are grown without the use of chemicals and pesticides. Organic drinks have severely reduced usage of preservatives and additives if any at all, but at least the majority shows the ingredients on the back of the bottle. Some organic drinks house no artificial colours or preservatives, no additives, and no harmful chemicals, so keep a lookout for these.

Organic beer, made from only the original ingredients of malt, hops, barley, water, and yeast, contains vitamin B and unique flavonoids (beneficial phytochemicals) found in barley malt and hops. The ingredient hops also has anti-oxidant molecules, which have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties in laboratory tests. Studies have supported the facts that organic wine and beer can be beneficial to drinkers’ health in moderation by lowering cholesterol and decreasing the risk of heart disease. Possibly the best thing about organic alcohol is the claim that it seriously reduces hangovers, so no more wasting weekends feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck. What more could you want?

Harmony with nature

Biodynamic wine is completely chemical-free and has become more popular in recent years. It has been described as a highly refined version of organic agriculture combined with an esoteric philosophy of life forces and planetary influences. Biodynamics is about being in harmony with nature. The farmers work with well-structured soil that has a high level of biological activity, and the energies of nature. The process increases the soil qualities and degradation is reversed. This ultimately results in an improvement in the vineyards, making the wines have a stronger, cleaner, more vibrant taste and remain drinkable longer. Biodynamic wine makers claim that their wine simply tastes better and has an increased nutritional value.

If you need any more convincing, the Robinvale Wines website identifies 10 reasons why you should buy organic and biodynamic: protect future generations, prevent soil erosion, protect water quality, save energy, keep chemicals off your plate, protect farm workers, help small farmers, support a true economy, promote bio-diversity, they taste different.

The cost of converting to organic or biodynamic is not a big deal, average wine prices range from $7.50 to $25 per bottle. You may pay slightly more than the normal price for organic beer, but it’s worth it. So the next time you go to the bottle store ask for organic beer and wine, or you can take a relaxing day trip out to a winery or brewery.

When it comes down to the most important issue, your health and well-being, why wouldn’t you choose chemical-free beer and wine?