Alcohol consumption in excess can cause health problems. According to the World Health Organization, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Health experts advise that alcohol consumption is not safe at any level.
Some older studies may have exaggerated the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. Older studies, for example, may have suggested that certain alcohols contained beneficial compounds that might support heart health. The risks of alcohol consumption, like an increased risk of cancer, are far greater than any possible benefits.
Certain types of alcohol are healthier than others if a person chooses to drink alcohol in moderation. Some alcoholic drinks contain too much sugar and calories. This can lead to weight gain or other health problems.
Understanding the risks and benefits associated with different types of alcohol can help individuals make informed decisions about alcohol consumption.
Healthy alcoholic drinks
WHOTrusted Source has released a statement that states that there is no safe level of alcohol intake. The statement also adds that light and moderate alcohol consumption does not have a greater benefit on type 2 diabetes and heart health than the cancer risk.
The National Health Service of the United Kingdom states that while limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of harming your health, there is still no level of drinking which is completely safe.
It can be difficult to know which alcoholic beverages are best for those who drink occasionally but still choose to consume alcohol. Although there is no safe alcohol level, it’s best to drink alcohol in moderation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)Trusted Source, an adult who is of legal drinking age may choose not to drink or to drink in moderation. According to the CDC, moderate drinking is defined as having two standard drinks a week or less per male and one standard drink a week or less per female. One drink is 12 ounces of beer, 8 ounces of malt alcohol, and 5 oz of wine.
Experts agree excessive alcohol consumption can cause serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Cancer
- immune system problems
- Mental health issues
- alcohol use disorder
1. Red Wine
Grapes are the Source of red wine, which contains antioxidant polyphenols such as resveratrol and anthocyanins. Red wine can contain compounds that are beneficial for health. These compounds may helpTrusted Source:
- Lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Protecting the brain and nerve cells by penetrating through the blood-brain barriers
- Reduce platelet aggregation to prevent blood clots
Other benefits include protection against certain neurodegenerative diseases.
Please find out more about red wine and its possible health benefits.
2. Vodka Soda
Vodka soda has a low sugar and fat content. In a standard 7.5 oz serving of vodka soda, there are 133 calories.
Additionally, drinking vodka can increase leptin. Leptin, a hormone released by adipose tissues or body fats, is the main cause of weight gain. It is crucial in controlling long-term weight, as it has the primary function of managing hunger and promoting the sensation of fullness in the body.
3. Tequila on a Rock
Tequila is made from blue agave plants, which are primarily grown in Mexico. This tasty spirit contains natural sugars known as agavins that may help support digestive health and weight loss.
In older mouse studies, it was found that the agavins in tequila could help with weight loss and bone health. The results of animal studies may not translate directly to human health.
Learn more about tequila’s potential health benefits.
4. Bloody Mary
Bloody Marys combine vodka, tomato juice, and other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, and hot sauce. The tomato juice provides nutrients and vitamins.
Tomatoes contain a lot of lycopene, a carotenoid that may help protect against cancer, heart disease, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis.
5. White wine spritzer
A white wine-club soda spritzer is made by mixing white wine and sparkling water. White wine contains 121 calories per 5-oz serving. The sugar content is further reduced by choosing a drier white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or other drier wines.
White wine contains the same polyphenols as red wine, which can provide health benefits.
6. Champagne
Sparkling wine and Champagne contain low calories and carbohydrate content. A 4-oz portion contains around 80 caloriesTrustedSource. These wine varieties contain healthy antioxidant polyphenols, according to the Trusted Source.
Champagne bubbles can also make you feel more full, which could help you drink less.
7. Mulled wine
Mulled wine combines red wine’s antioxidants with spices and herbs, including ginger from Trusted Source. This combination may enhance the drink’s health benefits.
Traditional mulled wines contain sugar. However, people can substitute it with stevia, a natural sweetener that’s a great alternative to sugar.
8. Mojito
This refreshing cocktail is a Cuban classic. It contains rum, lime, sugar, and soda water. Mojitos are a great low-calorie drink that can be diluted with soda water or lime juice to reduce the alcohol content.
The sugar content of a 6-oz mojito is around 140 calories.
9. Light beer
Light beer has fewer calories and can have less alcohol than regular beer. Light beer has around 100 calories per 12 oz.
According to some studies, moderate beer consumption (one drink per day or one to two drinks per day) for men and women may reduce the risk of heart disease and mortality. It could also have other health benefits.
This is a controversial subject, and many experts in health believe that alcohol consumption has more risks than benefits.
Learn more about the health benefits of drinking beer.
10. Cider
Cider is made from apples and contains less alcohol than wine. It also includes a lot of antioxidant plant compounds. These antioxidants could protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may help to protect against cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Research also shows that alcohol consumption is linked to a higher cancer risk.
FAQ
You may have questions about the health benefits of alcohol.
What is the lowest harmful alcohol?
Alcohol is harmful whether you drink excessively or occasionally. Light beer and vodka soda are two types of alcohol with lower calories and carbs. Red wine and other types of alcohol are rich in polyphenol antioxidants.
What is the best alcohol to lose weight?
If you are trying to lose weight, it is best to choose alcohol with lower calories. Champagne, white-wine spritzers, and tequila smashed on rocks are all good options.
Which is the healthiest cocktail?
When you drink mixed drinks, you can choose a mixer with low calories and no sugars. Diet sodas, diet water, and diet tonics are all good options.
You can read more about it here:
Alcohol consumption in excess can be harmful to your health. Even low-to-moderate alcohol consumption may have adverse health effects, such as an increased risk of cancer.
Some types of alcohol are healthier than others. They can include low-calorie, high-antioxidant options such as red wine, white wine, sparkling wines, low-sugar cocktails, light beers, and cider.
