
NutriWhite loves to celebrate—and we know you do too—but… should alcohol be present?
Drinking alcohol is such an accepted practice in society that people have normalized it as part of their routine.
However, reducing alcohol intake is one of the most widely recommended measures to prevent disease, as there are far more arguments against than in favor of its consumption. And we agree—that’s why later on we’ll share some tips in case you enjoy celebrating with alcohol.
Why reduce alcohol?
Alcohol is a toxin for the body that provides empty calories, and it is your liver that processes it to immediately convert it into a less toxic substance. This is why alcohol-related liver disease is one of its most well-known effects.
However, it is also linked to various types of cancer: oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, rectum, colon, breast, and possibly pancreas and lung. In addition, alcohol accelerates brain aging. These effects are related to both the frequency and amount of alcohol consumed.
What about wine?
There is some evidence suggesting an advantage of wine compared to other beverages in relation to cardiovascular health, but findings are not conclusive. The positive effects of wine can also be obtained from foods or supplements rich in flavonoids, without the negative effect of alcohol itself and its fermentation process, which affects people with candidiasis and histamine intolerance.
So, no alcohol at all?
It’s not that it’s forbidden, but it’s not something we want you to consume freely either.
You should know that there is a fine line between healthy alcohol consumption and risky consumption.
General recommendations suggest only small amounts:
- For men: limit alcohol to 1–2 drinks per day.
- For women: limit alcohol to 1 drink per day.
A drink is defined as:
- 1.5 ounces (44 ml) of 40° alcohol
- 1 ounce (30 ml) of 50° alcohol
- 4 ounces (118 ml) of wine
Important: this is not cumulative, and it is not recommended to drink daily.
What drink can you have?
You can choose a drink depending on your sensitivities, health condition, and preferences. In general, we recommend avoiding beverages made from cereals and preferring distilled ones. For example, we don’t recommend beer since it comes from barley, contains gluten, and yeast. If you enjoy cocktails, choose a non-caloric sweetener for preparation and pair it with sparkling water.
Here’s a list of #OkNutriWhite alcoholic beverages:
- Champagne: made from fermented grapes.
- Dry and extra dry white wines.
- Armagnac: brandy made from grapes.
- Brandy: made from fermented and distilled grapes.
- Cognac: made from fermented and distilled grapes.
- Sherry: white wine made from grapes.
- Fernet: made from herbs and grapes.
- Grappa: made from the remains of pressed grapes.
- Vodka (without juice, soda, or flavors): derived from potatoes.
- Cider: obtained from the fermentation of apples.
- Mezcal: made from agave.
- Pisco: made from fermented grapes.
- Pulque: drink made from agave sap.
- Tequila: distilled from blue agave.
- Rakia: similar to Raki but also made from plums.
- Kahlua: coffee liqueur.
- Kirschwasser: cherry and sour cherry brandy.
- Orujo: produced similarly to Grappa, also from grapes.
- Ouzo: made from grapes, fennel, and anise.
- Raki: made from different fruits, usually figs.
- Vermouth: made from grapes.
- Campari: the best-known brand of artichoke-based distillate, combined with many aromatic herbs and fruits.
Keep in mind that some of these beverages contain sugar.
Cheers—to your health!
NutriWhite Editorial Team
