There is no universally “healthiest” alcohol to drink, as all forms of alcohol have the potential to be harmful to your health. However, if you do choose to drink, some alcohol options are considered to be less harmful than others. For example, clear liquors such as vodka, gin, and tequila contain fewer congeners (impurities produced during the fermentation process) than darker liquors such as whiskey and brandy. Additionally, wine and beer contain antioxidants, although in small amounts.
However, it is important to keep in mind that moderation is key when it comes to drinking alcohol, and drinking any type of alcohol in excess can be harmful to your health.
Is drinking wine good for my health?
Moderate consumption of wine, particularly red wine, has been linked to several potential health benefits:
- Heart health: Moderate wine consumption has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease due to the presence of antioxidants such as resveratrol, which help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
- Cognitive function: Wine contains compounds that have been shown to have a positive impact on brain function and may help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Some studies have shown that moderate wine consumption may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer: Some antioxidants in wine, such as resveratrol, have been shown to have potential cancer-fighting properties, although more research is needed in this area.
These potential benefits apply only to moderate wine consumption, defined as one glass per day for women and two glasses per day for men. Drinking wine in excess can have negative effects on your health and cancel out any potential benefits.
Which alcohol has the lowest calories on relevant basis?
The alcohol with the lowest calories per standard serving (1.5 ounces or 44 mL) is generally distilled spirits (such as gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whiskey) mixed with a calorie-free mixer like soda water or diet tonic. On average, a serving of straight spirits contains about 97 calories.
Other low-calorie alcoholic drinks include:
- Light beers (around 100 calories per 12-ounce serving)
- Wine spritzers made with wine and soda water (around 90 calories per 6-ounce serving)
- Aperitifs like Campari or vermouth with soda water (around 100 calories per 1.5-ounce serving)
It is important to keep in mind that the calorie content of alcoholic drinks can vary greatly depending on the type, brand, and serving size, so it’s always a good idea to check the label or consult a reliable source for specific calorie information.