A staggering 260 million Brits are set to shun alcohol this month, a far cry from the mere 4,000 participants in the inaugural Dry January back in 2013. While it’s widely accepted that excessive drinking can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease and brain damage, moderate consumption can actually have its benefits.
We’ve all heard about the polyphenols in a small glass of wine – antioxidants with numerous health benefits. However, less known is the fact that another alcoholic beverage could provide an even bigger health boost.
Good-quality cider, rich in antioxidants, may even surpass red wine in protecting the lining of blood vessels in the heart and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, according to a recent study published in Food Bioscience. In fact, some artisan ciders contain higher concentrations of these health-boosting chemicals than fresh orange juice.
The polyphenols in red wine may help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart (stock)
(Image: Getty Images)
But let’s not forget, alcohol also has its downsides, including promoting weight gain – think “beer belly,” or “wine tum”. If you’re planning on indulging this month, consider switching to gin or vodka.
As nutritionist Dominique Ludwig told The Times, a gin and tonic or a vodka, lime and soda are relatively low in calories and carbs, reports Surrey Live.
Cutting back on alcohol doesn’t just lessen the likelihood of building up dangerous visceral fat, which can lead to various health issues; it also helps avoid the unsightly belly often associated with heavy drinking.
Cider contains also polyphenols, the compounds in plants that act as antioxidants (stock)
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Consider this: a 25ml shot of 40% ABV vodka carries 55 calories, while the same amount of gin packs even fewer, with an average of just 35 calories.
Even when you add a mixer, which might contribute around 90 extra calories, it’s significantly lower than the hefty 340 calories in a standard pint of beer or the 226 calories found in a large glass of red wine.
“Opt for single shots and top up with low-calorie soda water if you want to drink but are trying to lose weight,” advises expert Dominique.