Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) states there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption.
While previous health guidelines suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits, health experts now advise that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Older research may have overestimated the health benefits of moderate drinking. For example, older studies may suggest that some alcohols contain beneficial compounds that could support heart health. However, the risks of consuming alcohol, such as increasing the risk of cancer, far outweigh any potential benefits.
If a person still chooses to consume alcohol in moderate amounts, certain types of alcohol may be healthier than others. For example, some alcoholic beverages contain excessive sugar and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
By understanding the potential risks and benefits of different types of alcoholic beverages, individuals can make informed decisions on alcohol consumption.
A statement from the
Similarly, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service states that limiting alcohol can lower the risk of harming health, but there is no completely safe level of drinking.
For those who enjoy an occasional drink and still opt to consume alcohol, it can be challenging to understand which alcoholic beverages are preferable options. While there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, it is advisable to drink in moderation if drinking alcohol.
According to the
Experts agree that excessive alcohol consumption can have serious adverse health consequences,
- heart disease
- liver disease
- cancer
- immune system problems
- mental health issues
- alcohol use disorder
Red wine comes from grapes, which contain antioxidant polyphenols, including resveratrol, anthocyanins, and catechins. As such, red wine
- lowering the risk of heart disease
- protecting the brain and nerve cells by penetrating the blood-brain barrier
- reducing platelet aggregation, helping prevent the formation of blood clots
Additional benefits may include protection from some neurodegenerative diseases.
Learn more about the possible benefits of red wine.
Vodka soda is low in sugar and fat. A standard vodka soda has
Furthermore, consuming vodka increases leptin levels. Leptin is a hormone that adipose tissue, or body fat, releases. It plays a crucial role in regulating long-term body weight as one of its primary functions is to manage hunger and promote the sensation of satiety, or fullness, in the body.
Tequila comes from the blue agave plant, primarily grown in Mexico. This flavorsome spirit contains natural sugars called agavins, which
Older research in mouse studies suggests that agavins present in tequila may aid weight loss and support bone health. However, results from animal studies do not necessarily translate to humans.
Find out more about the potential health benefits of tequila.
A Bloody Mary combines vodka with tomato juice and various other seasonings, such as Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and celery salt. A Bloody Mary also provides vitamins and nutrients due to its tomato juice content.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid that
Learn more about the benefits of tomatoes.
A white wine spritzer is a mix of white wine with club soda or sparkling water. With a 5-oz serving of white wine containing
As with red wine, white wine
Sparkling wines and Champagne are low in calories and carbohydrates, with a 4-oz serving containing around
The bubbles in Champagne also tend to make a person feel fuller, which
Mulled wine pairs the antioxidants of red wine with a blend of spices and herbs that may boost the health-supporting properties of the drink,
Traditionally, mulled wine contains sugar, but people can replace it with stevia, a natural sweetener and alternative to sugar.
Hailing from Cuba, this refreshing cocktail contains rum, mint, lime, sugar, and soda water. Although rum does not appear to provide any specific health benefits, a Mojito is a low calorie option that people can dilute with more soda water and lime to lower its relative alcohol content.
A 6-oz serving of mojito contains around
Light beer is a lower calorie and sometimes lower alcohol alternative to regular beer. A person can enjoy 12 oz of light beer for around
Some studies suggest that moderate beer consumption of one drink per day for females and one to two drinks daily for males
However, this is a controversial topic, and many health experts believe that the
Find out more about the potential health benefits of beer.
Made from apples, cider contains less alcohol content than wine but is also rich in antioxidant plant compounds. These antioxidants may help protect cells from damage that occurs due to free radicals. These antioxidants could help protect against certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
However, research also highlights links between alcohol intake with a
Some common questions on healthy alcohol consumption may include:
What is the least harmful alcohol to drink?
All alcohol can be harmful, whether people drink in excess or only consume alcohol occasionally. Some types of alcohol that are lower in calories and carbohydrates include vodka soda and light beer. Other types of alcohol, such as red wine, are high in antioxidant polyphenols.
What is the healthiest alcohol for weight loss?
If a person wishes to consume alcohol when trying to lose weight, it is advisable to consider lower-calorie options. These may include Champagne, white wine spritzers, and tequila on the rocks.
What is the healthiest mixed drink?
When consuming mixed drinks, healthier options may include a spirit with a low calorie mixer that contains no added sugars. These may include diet sodas, soda water, and diet tonics.
Excessive alcohol consumption can have serious health consequences. Evidence also suggests that even low to moderate amounts of alcohol consumption can also have negative health effects, such as increasing the risk for cancer.
If a person still chooses to drink alcohol, they may consider that certain types of alcohol may be healthier options than others. These can include lower-calorie and high antioxidant options, such as red, white, and sparkling wine, low sugar cocktails, light beer, and cider.