We’ve all heard that we should stay away from caffeine, that carbohydrates are bad for us and alcohol is harmful. We’ve been told to be leery of the sun and avoid all kinds of stress. But these things can actually be good—in moderation and with some parameters.
Caffeine
Caffeine is generally regarded as bad for you because of how your body reacts to it. But that morning cup of coffee isn’t as bad as you might think. Misty Trinidad, nurse at Liberty North High School, says, “The FDA has done extensive research on the effects of caffeine, and there is no substantial evidence to prove that caffeine has a negative effect on blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, pregnancy, osteoporosis and cancer.”
Sarah Martens, nurse at Tri-County Mental Health Services, agrees that caffeine isn’t all bad. “It is a great pick-me-up in the morning and afternoon for me. It helps with my sluggish, lethargic feeling and improves my ability to focus and get my work done,” she says.
Stress
Stress can cause headaches, ulcers and grumpy moods. But it can have a helpful side, too. “Stress helps clean out the cobwebs in an otherwise boring, mundane day,” Martens says. “It increases mental acuity, encourages critical thinking and prioritizing and provides a shot of adrenaline that may charge your body's batteries for the rest of the day. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment.”
Wine
The key word here is moderation. Too many drinks a day can lead to severe health problems and alcoholism. However, a glass of wine a day can be good for you.
“Alcohol can stimulate the appetite, so it is better to drink it with food. When alcohol is mixed with food, it can slow the stomach's emptying time and potentially decrease the amount of food consumed at the meal,” Trinidad says. “This is a good mix, because especially red wine has antioxidant effects, which help with heart health, and it discourages a person from overeating.” Another benefit, Trinidad says, is that moderate alcohol intake can help increase a person’s “good” cholesterol.
In addition to the health benefits mentioned, an occasional glass of wine can aid with relaxation. Martens says that sipping a glass of wine is also a “good way to relax and unwind, and a good way to socially connect with people when you are out.”
Chocolate
This favorite is a pleasure that generally has a bad rap but actually offers some benefits. “Some chocolates, especially dark chocolate, have shown antioxidant effects and can assist in reducing blood pressure and some heart disease,” Nurse practitioner Kim Cornwell says. “I think, too, that chocolate just makes you ‘feel good.’ For a lot of women, it is our go-to food when we are feeling emotionally down. When I am tired or stressed it is certainly my pick-me-up!”
Sunlight
Nothing warms the soul like sunshine! With the threat of skin cancer, though, many are nervous about being out in the sun. But using sunscreen and paying attention to the clock can allow you to enjoy sunlight for the wonderful thing it is. Sunlight is a great natural and free source of vitamin D and is essential to a woman’s health. Trinidad says, “It helps with our muscle function, helps us absorb our calcium better, decreases chances of arthritis, osteoporosis and cancers, and it decreases bouts of depression!” Between 15 and 20 minutes of exposure to sunlight is a daily essential. Remember to stay out of direct sun from 10:00 to 2:00.
Martens adds that sunlight is “imperative for staving off seasonal depression. If you are out in the sunshine, chances are you are getting fresh air or physical activity, which are good for your mental and physical health as well.”
Jennifer Higgins is a freelance writer and teacher from Kearney who especially loves the sun and caffeine.