Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks and Which Ones to Avoid
While alcohol consumption isn’t typically associated with health benefits, some are considered healthier alcoholic beverages compared to others. These drinks are often lower in calories, sugar, and harmful additives, making them less detrimental to your overall well-being when consumed in moderation. This article will explore the five healthiest alcoholic drinks, explain why they are better choices, and highlight the ones you should avoid.
1. Red Wine
Why It’s Healthier:
Red wine tops the list of healthier alcoholic beverages due to its rich content of antioxidants, particularly resveratrol. Resveratrol is known for its potential heart-protective properties, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, red wine contains fewer calories compared to many other alcoholic drinks, especially when consumed in moderation.
Best Practice:
A glass of red wine with dinner is often recommended, but it’s crucial to limit intake to one glass per day for women and up to two glasses for men to reap the potential benefits without overconsumption.
2. Champagne
Why It’s Healthier:
Champagne, is a type of sparkling wine and is a low-calorie alcohol beverage compared to other wines and cocktails. A standard glass of champagne typically contains around 90 calories, making it a lighter option. Additionally, champagne is made from grapes that offer antioxidants, albeit in smaller amounts compared to red wine.
Best Practice:
Opt for brut or dry champagne, which contains less sugar than sweeter varieties. Enjoying a glass on special occasions is a great way to celebrate without consuming excessive calories.
3. Light Beer
Why It’s Healthier:
Light beer is a low-calorie alcohol alternative to regular beer, containing about 90 to 110 calories per 12-ounce serving. While it may not offer significant health benefits, it is a better choice for those who enjoy beer but want to reduce calorie intake. Additionally, some light beers are lower in alcohol content, which can help prevent overindulgence.
Best Practice:
Choose light beers that are also low in carbohydrates to minimize calorie intake. Moderation is key, as excessive beer consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
4. Vodka Soda
Why It’s Healthier:
Vodka soda is at the top of the list of low-calorie alcohol drinks available, with a typical serving containing around 96 calories. When mixed with soda water and a splash of lime, it becomes a refreshing, sugar-free option that doesn’t add unnecessary calories. Additionally, vodka itself is a distilled spirit with no carbs or sugar, making it a cleaner option on the list of healthier alcoholic beverages.
Best Practice:
Stick to soda water and avoid sugary mixers like tonic water or fruit juices to keep the drink light and healthy. Enjoy it with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon for added flavor.
5. Gin and Tonic (with Diet Tonic)
Why It’s Healthier:
Gin is a distilled spirit made from juniper berries, which contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. When paired with a diet tonic, the drink becomes a low-calorie option, with around 120 calories per serving. The key is to opt for a diet tonic to avoid the high sugar content found in regular tonic water.
Best Practice:
Choose a diet tonic and consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil to enhance the flavor without adding calories. Limit consumption to avoid excessive alcohol intake.
Alcoholic Drinks to Avoid
While some alcoholic beverages are relatively healthier, others should be consumed sparingly or avoided altogether due to their high calorie, sugar, and alcohol content:
1. Cocktails with Sugary Mixers
Drinks like margaritas, piña coladas, and daiquiris are loaded with sugar and calories, often exceeding 300 calories per serving. These sugary mixers can spike blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain.
2. Regular Beer
Regular beer is higher in calories and carbohydrates than light beer, with an average of 150 calories per 12-ounce serving. Overconsumption can lead to “beer belly” and other health issues.
3. Sweet Wines
Dessert wines and sweet wines, such as Moscato and port, contain higher sugar content, leading to more calories per serving. They can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of developing conditions like diabetes.
4. Alcopops (Flavored Malt Beverages)
Drinks like Smirnoff Ice and Mike’s Hard Lemonade are often high in sugar and calories, making them less healthy choices. They also tend to have artificial flavors and additives that can be harmful to your health.
While no alcoholic drink can be deemed truly healthy, some options are better for your health when consumed in moderation. Red wine, champagne, light beer, vodka soda, and gin and tonic (with diet tonic) are some of the healthier alcoholic beverages you can choose. On the other hand, sugary cocktails, regular beer, sweet wines, and alcopops should be avoided or consumed sparingly. Always remember that moderation is key, and it’s important to consider your overall health and lifestyle when choosing to consume alcohol.
