Published on 11/10/2024 at 9:02 p.m., updated on 11/10/2024 at 9:02 p.m.
Lecture 2 min.
Are you going to go out and maybe have a little drink (or several)? If alcohol is never beneficial to health, some options turn out to be a little “less worse” than others according to doctors…
You know full well that alcohol is not the ally of your good health. But if you find it difficult to decline the offer of a small drink with friends, know that some options are “healthier” than others. Two doctors gave their verdict.
Red wine or cider, for polyphenols
In a podcast dedicated to science and nutrition (named Zoé), nutrition expert Tim Spector gave his opinion and informed choice. While alcohol itself cannot be classified as healthy, certain types of alcoholic beverages, particularly those rich in polyphenols, may offer some health benefits.
Polyphenols are plant compounds known for their ability to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy gut bacteria. Professor Spector explains that red wine and certain “artisanal” ciders are particularly rich in it. Their production process, which often involves less refinement, would thus retain more natural compounds. White wine, on the other hand, is not affected (or to a lesser extent… you should drink more of it, which is not the goal).
On the other hand, there is no point in brandishing the argument of polyphenols to align the glasses: Professor Spector insists on caution, because even the smallest potential benefits of alcohol can quickly be canceled by overconsumption. “Once you exceed one or two drinks per day, the negative effects of alcohol begin to outweigh the potential benefits of the bioactive compounds.”
Tequila, low in sugar and carbs
The other option cited by another doctor is relatively surprising. On TikTok, Californian gastroenterologist Saurabh Sethi spoke on the subject, and his choice falls on… tequila, as the healthiest choice for drinkers.
“Tequila is made from the agave plant, which is low in sugar and carbohydrates. Unlike liquors distilled from grains, tequila is naturally sans gluten” he emphasizes. In fact, the agave contained in tequila is not digestible and does not increase blood sugar levels as much as other alcoholic drinks.
Additionally, as Medical News Today reports, agave contains compounds such as fructans and fructo oligosaccharides (FOS), which may function as prebiotics and promote a healthy gut microbiota, improve digestion, and potentially alleviate gastrointestinal issues. -intestinal.
Researchers at the University of Guadalajara have also discovered that the blue agave used to make tequila can create a protective barrier around medications used to treat intestinal diseases and prevent the medication from diluting in the stomach.
However, as with wine, these effects cannot justify drinking more glasses. “The healthiest option is to avoid alcohol as much as possible.” concludes the doctor.
No more than two glasses of alcohol per day
We will also never say it: alcohol abuse is bad for your health. Let us also remember that beyond a certain consumption, it even becomes a significant risk factor for cancer (mouth, throat, esophagus, colon-rectum, breast, etc.), certain chronic diseases (cirrhosis, diseases of the pancreas, cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, etc.) diseases of the nervous system and psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, early dementia, etc.).
It is therefore important to remember the new benchmarks for alcohol consumption:
- maximum 10 glasses per week,
- maximum 2 glasses per day,
- days during the week without consumption.
In summary: “For your health, alcohol is a maximum of 2 glasses per day, and not every day.”
Slide: 10 Signs You Have a Drinking Problem
