Exploring Healthier Drink Choices in the World of Alcohol
Exploring Healthier Drink Choices in the World of Alcohol
Are Some Alcoholic Drinks Healthier?
When you step up to the bar and ponder your drink selection, health benefits may not be at the forefront of your mind. After all, alcoholic beverages aren't typically associated with nutritional value, and the notorious potential for a hangover isn't exactly a selling point.
Yet, within the realm of alcohol, there are choices that are less detrimental to your health. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, offers insights into selecting drinks that may be somewhat less harmful when it comes to factors like calories, sugar content, and the dreaded morning-after experience.
Nonetheless, alcohol remains a prominent part of global culture, with over 2 billion people around the world indulging in alcoholic beverages. So, if you do choose to partake, let's explore options that minimize the harm.
Healthier Choices within the Alcohol Spectrum
1. Healthier Beer Choices
- Light beer is a preferable option if you're conscious of calories and carbohydrates. Regular beers can contribute to weight gain due to their higher calorie and carb content. While the calorie difference between light and regular beers might not seem significant for one drink, it can add up for those who consume alcohol regularly.
2. Healthier Wine Choices
Red wine often garners attention for its potential health benefits. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape skin, has been linked to improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart health. Opting for a dry red wine can limit sugar content, reducing both calories and carbs. Drier white wines share some advantages, although with less resveratrol.
It's worth noting that red wines, while rich in resveratrol, also contain tannins that can lead to headaches.
3. Healthier Spirit Choices
Clear liquors, such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whisky, are associated with fewer hangover symptoms when compared to darker liquors like bourbon. The latter can result in more severe hangovers due to impurities called congeners.
While most spirits have similar calorie and carb counts, the choice of mixer can significantly affect calorie intake. Sugary mixers can add a substantial number of calories to cocktails, so moderation is key.
1. Dry Red Wine: Known for lower sugars and higher antioxidants. Opt for options with moderate alcohol content, typically around 12%.
2. Dry White Wine or Champagne: Similar to dry red wine, these choices are lower in sugars and calories.
3. No-Fuss Cocktails: Combine clear liquors with low-calorie or calorie-free mixers, like soda water or diet soda. Adding a slice of lime can enhance flavor without excess calories.
4. Light Beer: A suitable choice for those looking to cut calories and carbs.
5. Hard Kombucha: This fermented tea-based beverage with probiotics is celebrated for its potential health benefits. Versions with higher alcohol content offer similar advantages to regular kombucha.
