There is a reason the words “healthy” and “alcohol” are rarely found next to each other. The consensus scientific view is that it is nothing but bad for us. And while some alcoholic drinks contain compounds which are good for us, they generally don’t outweigh the harm of the alcohol enough that somebody who doesn’t already drink should take it up.
But after saying all that, we of course recognise that occasional, moderate drinking can be a lot of fun when it forms part of an otherwise healthy lifestyle. And not all alcoholic drinks are equally harmful. By making smarter choices you can still enjoy the odd tipple while minimising the negative health effects.
In no particular order, this article takes you through the healthiest – or least-harmful – alcoholic drinks available.
1. Tequila on the rocks
When it comes to keeping calories down, you can’t really beat clear spirits taken on their own or on the rocks. Tequila is suggested here because it is thought to offer some additional weight management benefits. These result from natural sugars called agavins that it contains.
Agavins have been said to aid digestion and weight loss, as well as support bone health, in mice. It is unclear whether these findings also apply in people, but tequila remains one of the better options for alcohol in any case.
2. Bloody Mary
Vodka provides the alcohol in a Bloody Mary, which also contains tomato juice and a mixture of other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and celery salt. As another clear spirit, vodka is low in sugar, fat, and calories compared to other types of alcohol. It also increases the level of leptin in our bodies, which is a hormone that helps manage hunger by causing us to feel full.
Tomatoes, as you might expect from a type of fruit, are very nutritious. One nutrient they are rich in is lycopene, which studies suggest offers protection against cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
3. Red wine
Red wine contains antioxidant compounds called polyphenols. These come from the grapes that the wine is made from and have been linked to many positive health effects. These include lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes, protecting the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, and preventing blood clots from forming.
There is a prevalent misconception that the many polyphenols found in red wine make it a healthy drink. It is only healthy in comparison to other alcohols. In general, there are far better sources of polyphenols that don’t deliver them alongside harmful alcohol. Numerous plants and fruits contain them in vast quantities, as does dark chocolate and just grapes by themselves.
4. Other wines
Polyphenols are also found in white wines, champagne, and mulled wines. These are also fairly low in calories and carbohydrates.
5. Cider
Made from apples, cider is another choice that provides a dose of healthy plant compounds and antioxidants. These are associated with protection from cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, drinkers should also consider that alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
Conclusion
All alcohol is harmful, but by drinking only small amounts and making smarter choices we can reduce the risks of drinking and get some extra good stuff while we’re at it.
