Lately though, it seems as if everything benefits our bodies in some way. Reading about the health benefits of our guilty pleasures can make us feel better about our habits. Dark chocolate bingers can munch with confidence knowing their treat of choice is laden with antioxidants and helps lower blood pressure. Serial nap takers can rest assured they are reaping the benefits of more energy, a stronger immune system and better focus during class.

Why does there have to be a health benefit in everything we do? Sometimes I take a nap because I have a paper due tomorrow, and I’ve already baked a cake, cleaned my bathroom and pursued every other method of procrastination known to man. Dark chocolate often calls my name simply because I like its comforting, slightly sweet richness.

Every night, my father has a glass of red wine after dinner. He calls it a ‘medicinal beverage.’ Red wine is known to contain antioxidants that may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of good cholesterol. I picture myself in the future, cracking open a bottle of my beverage of choice: Sam Adams Cherry Wheat. ‘Kids, where’s the bottle opener? Mommy needs to take her medicine.’ I don’t think I can pull it off quite like my father can.

Lucky for beer drinkers who want to imbibe wholesomely, researchers have managed to reassure lovers of hops that their drink of choice is a-OK. According to a 2011 article in the American Dietetic Association’s member publication, ADA Times, moderate consumption of beer has shown to improve cholesterol levels, reduce risk of blood clots and lower the risk of both Type 2 diabetes and gallstones. Some dark beers may even contain as much fiber as a small apple.

I may drink a beer to feel good but not because I’m feeling a little clogged up, to put it nicely. Tylenol is medicine, and booze is booze. Healthy food is for fueling my body, and beer is for fun times and socialization. So if I want to increase my fiber intake, I’ll grab an apple. And when I get a craving for a hit of antioxidants, I’ll reach for a filling handful of blueberries rather than a fleeting glass of wine — but to each his or her own.

My father, whom I deeply admire for his constant pursuit of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, among other things, should drink his wine in heart-healthy bliss. If a food or drink you love has health benefits, then all the more reason to eat or drink up. As for me, I reserve my Sam Adams for Friday nights, when I’m in celebration of getting through another homework-filled week or when I simply have a craving for that crisp, fruity foam.

Alicia Smith is a graduate student in the magazine, newspaper and online journalism program in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Her column appears every Thursday, and she can be reached at acsmit05@syr.edu.

Published on February 23, 2011 at 12:00 pm