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+--- Thread: good for digestion? (/thread-9826.html)
- Georgie - 04-07-2003
Ok, now no laughing out there. This is a legitimate question. Often, after a big holiday meal, my mother would serve creme de menthe cordials because she claimed it helped to settle one's stomach. I think a slowly sipped glass of Port after dinner does the much the same thing. Is there any truth to this, or is it just wishful thinking on my part? Sort of like drinking for medicinal purposes...All right...I know hear laughing! Stop it. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/tongue.gif[/img]
- hotwine - 04-07-2003
I think there's something to it, Georgie. My mom has a very small glass of port each evening before going to bed, and is doing quite well at the age of 91.
- Thomas - 04-08-2003
"Take a little wine for thine stomach's sake..."
Paul was onto something 2000 years ago--been proven since that a small amount of wine is good for digestion.
- Georgie - 04-08-2003
Right! I forgot all about that text! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]
- mrdutton - 04-08-2003
If I remember correctly, mint can be taken to sooth the stomach. That might explain why taking a small glass of Creme de Menthe after a meal could be settling and relaxing, regardless of the affect of the alcohol.
Some Italians drink aged Balsamic Vinegar as a 'digestivo'. I've tried that a few times and found it to be settling and relaxing.
And certainly a glass of Porto after dinner can not hurt!
- Bucko - 04-08-2003
Alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine are well known to potently stimulate gastric acid secretion, most probably through an increase in circulating gastrin level. Whether this aids digestion is open to discussion.
Mint is well known to relax the lower esophagel sphincter, increasing gatroesophageal reflux (heartburn). I wouldn't take this to soothe anything......
- Georgie - 04-08-2003
That's very interesting, considering all the mint-flavored antacids there are on the market. Not to mention after dinner mints! Mint just makes things worse. I'll stick to my Porto, thank you very much!
- Thomas - 04-08-2003
...and mint tea that is supposed to soothe. Thanks Bucko, for a piece of learning. Now, when my wife tries to pawn that mint tea off on me when I complain of stomach upset, I'll say no thanks, "just let me finish this bottle of Port."