Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks, According to Nutritionists
Alcohol doesn't provide any nutritional value to our diets but it does pack on the calories, which can make weight management a challenge. What’s more, certain alcohols can increase toxicity in the body.
Recently, there’s been a surge in "healthier adult beverages," from lower sugar to lower alcohol and even "clean" ingredients. “Keeping the sugar lower or drinking alcohol that is a lower ABV will ultimately have a better impact on your blood sugar levels and your gut,” explains Rodgers
When it comes to hard liquor, tequila is typically touted as the healthiest option. Opt for an organic blanco tequila (also commonly called silver) as this is the purest form of the spirit.
Packaged snacks like chips, crackers, and pretzels are high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates. They’re quick to spike blood sugar and increase your daily sodium intake, which is harmful to your kidneys and overall health.
Hard seltzer fans rejoice: Lisa Richards, CNC, nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet, likes to recommend this category of alcoholic beverages for those seeking a low-alcohol drink that is also low in calories.
“Guinness Draught (in a bottle) is only 126 calories and has far more flavor than most of the watered-down, low-calorie beer brands that try to stay under 100 calories, greatly sacrificing taste,” says Dr. Adams.
Red wine is one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks around since it contains antioxidants that can protect your cells from damage and polyphenols that promote heart health, explains Cooney. This one is certified organic, with no manipulation of the grapes used, and free of sulfates.