Break out the noisemakers! It’s holiday party time. Everywhere you go there are glittering lights, festive appetizers and beckoning trays of seasonal co*cktails, a little holiday cheer in a glass.
But what about your fitness plan? What should you sip if you want to be healthy but still have some fun? You might be surprised to learn that the fruit of the grape has long been extolled for its health-boosting properties but some research suggests that vodka may be just as good for you in certain ways.
A study published in the scientific journal Circulation compared three groups of swine that had been gorged on a fattening diet. One group was given red wine daily, a second vodka, and the third abstained. The piggies that imbibed were served equal amounts of alcohol, which was mixed with the animals’ food, as Shape reported. And the results may make you rethink your happy hour order.
After seven weeks, the pigs that had been given wine or vodka had significantly increased blood flow to the heart as well as a jump in HDL cholesterol, the good kind, without a rise in total cholesterol.
Scientists reported that while both types of alcohol appear to be good for your heart health, they do so in different ways. Red wine relaxes the blood vessels, while vodka increased capillary density, which means more oxygen can be delivered to the blood. Cheers.
However, the researchers added that red wine may offer more protection due to its resveratrol, an antioxidant that’s been shown to fight inflammation, which can trigger premature aging and disease.
On the vodka side of the aisle, as Newsweek reports,clear liquor contains fewercongeners,compounds which may contribute to the severity of hangovers.
Also, vodka is made up of 40 percent alcohol and the other 60 percent is water. A 1.5-ounce shot of the clear spirit, 80 proof, contains 92 calories, without fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber or carbs. The lack of sugar is why some drinkers have dubbed vodka a skinny drink.
Vanessa Risetto, a registered dietitian and nutritionist in Hoboken, New Jersey told Newsweek that vodka may be healthier than wine. “If you want antioxidant benefits [from wine], you’d have to take in a lot of the grape…Vodka has no sugars, so you’re less likely to get hungover, because you’re going tofeel less calories.”
One key factor to consider is your drinking habits. The one drink a day rule equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof distilled spirits, as Shape notes. If you drink a whole lot more than that, say on New Year’s Eve, then the health benefits go out the window.
Some people also find that drinking vodka outwits a hangover. On the other hand, others find they chug a vodka and soda far too quickly while it can take a good long while to sip a nice pinot noir, which keeps you from overdoing it.
Either way, make merry in moderation this holiday. To your health.
As a nutrition expert with a deep understanding of the topic, I bring forth evidence-backed insights into the relationship between alcohol consumption, particularly red wine and vodka, and their potential impact on health. My knowledge is not only theoretical but is grounded in scientific research and practical applications.
The article discusses the effects of red wine and vodka on cardiovascular health, specifically focusing on a study published in the scientific journal Circulation. In this study, three groups of swine were subjected to a fattening diet, with one group given red wine daily, another vodka, and the third abstaining. The results showed that both red wine and vodka led to increased blood flow to the heart and elevated HDL cholesterol levels without a rise in total cholesterol. This suggests that both types of alcohol may have cardiovascular benefits, albeit through different mechanisms.
Red wine, as highlighted in the article, contains resveratrol, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This compound contributes to the relaxation of blood vessels. On the other hand, vodka was found to increase capillary density, facilitating the delivery of more oxygen to the blood.
The discussion delves into the composition of vodka, emphasizing its lower congener content compared to other alcoholic beverages. Congeners are compounds that can contribute to the severity of hangovers, and the article suggests that clear liquor like vodka may result in less severe hangovers.
The nutritional aspect is also touched upon, with the article noting that vodka is composed of 40 percent alcohol and 60 percent water. A 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof vodka contains 92 calories without fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, or carbs. This lack of sugar has led some to dub vodka a "skinny drink." Vanessa Risetto, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, is cited in the article, stating that vodka may be considered healthier than wine due to its absence of sugars.
Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of drinking in moderation, referencing the one-drink-a-day rule and its equivalent measurements for beer, wine, and distilled spirits. It emphasizes that exceeding moderate drinking limits, especially on occasions like New Year's Eve, can negate the potential health benefits.
In conclusion, the information provided offers a comprehensive understanding of the potential health effects of red wine and vodka, supported by scientific research and nutritional insights. The article encourages readers to make informed and moderate choices when indulging in alcoholic beverages during holiday celebrations.
