Summer Cocktails
We all know how alcohol affects you after a couple of drinks. But do you know the good effects that alcohol has for your body?
With temperatures reaching record-breaking highs, nothing sounds more refreshing than sitting by the pool drinking a summery, fruity cocktail. Unfortunately, many concoctions are loaded with sugar, and in combination with the alcohol, it can do a number on your body. But there are others that contain ingredients that may actually be beneficial for the body. Alcohol itself - more precisely ethanol- can also provide some benefits, but only if you stick to drinking in moderation - I'll remind you again - 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. One drink is equal to 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.
Studies have shown that people who consume alcohol in moderate amounts live longer than those who drink alcohol excessively or are abstainers. These studies have reported that moderate alcohol consumption has postive cardiovascular effects including raising HDL (good) cholesterol. In fact according to a study by Power, C., et al. in Clinical Biochemistry, moderate drinking appears to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcers, gallstones, enteric infections, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes. Moderate drinkers also appeared to have improved mental status than abstainers due to less stress and depression, less abscences from work, and decreased incidence of dementia. Beer and wine both also contain antioxidants which can also be beneficial for the immune system and aging process. As mentioned in an earlier blog, red wine seems to be more protective against cardiovascular risks than beer or liquor. So if these drinks are so spectacular, why isn't everyone drinking? If you do not drink alcohol, despite the aforementioned results, research also shows that there is no reason to start drinking. And if you do drink alcohol and consume more than 1-2 drinks per day (or do not drink at all during the week and consume 6 on a weekend night), then it will negatively impact your health. Again...moderation.
Here are a couple of healthy summer cocktails:
Sangria - Red wine mixed w/ lots of fruit adds some vitamin C and antioxidants to a refreshing beverage
Vodka, grapefruit and club soda - low calorie drink with more vitamin C power punch of grapefruit
Bloody Mary - this drink is packed with vitamins from the vegetable juice and is lower in calories than other cocktails
Mojito with fresh fruit - even though this drink contains sugar, it's also packed with antioxidants from fruit and made with zero calorie soda water. I've also had some with herbs such as basil.
Blueberry Lime Margarita (Recipe from Eating Well magazine)
2 cups ice
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup blueberry nectar
1/4 cup soda water/seltzer
2 tablespoons lime juice/frozen limeade
3 ounces tequila
1 lime wedge
Power, C., et al. Goldberg, D. M., et al. Moderate alcohol consumption: the gentle face of Janus. Clinical Biochemistry, 1999, 32(7), 505-518.
Sound Bite: If you are going to enjoy a refreshing cocktail this weekend, add lots of fruit to give it some extra antioxidant power.
With temperatures reaching record-breaking highs, nothing sounds more refreshing than sitting by the pool drinking a summery, fruity cocktail. Unfortunately, many concoctions are loaded with sugar, and in combination with the alcohol, it can do a number on your body. But there are others that contain ingredients that may actually be beneficial for the body. Alcohol itself - more precisely ethanol- can also provide some benefits, but only if you stick to drinking in moderation - I'll remind you again - 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. One drink is equal to 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.
Studies have shown that people who consume alcohol in moderate amounts live longer than those who drink alcohol excessively or are abstainers. These studies have reported that moderate alcohol consumption has postive cardiovascular effects including raising HDL (good) cholesterol. In fact according to a study by Power, C., et al. in Clinical Biochemistry, moderate drinking appears to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcers, gallstones, enteric infections, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes. Moderate drinkers also appeared to have improved mental status than abstainers due to less stress and depression, less abscences from work, and decreased incidence of dementia. Beer and wine both also contain antioxidants which can also be beneficial for the immune system and aging process. As mentioned in an earlier blog, red wine seems to be more protective against cardiovascular risks than beer or liquor. So if these drinks are so spectacular, why isn't everyone drinking? If you do not drink alcohol, despite the aforementioned results, research also shows that there is no reason to start drinking. And if you do drink alcohol and consume more than 1-2 drinks per day (or do not drink at all during the week and consume 6 on a weekend night), then it will negatively impact your health. Again...moderation.
Here are a couple of healthy summer cocktails:
Sangria - Red wine mixed w/ lots of fruit adds some vitamin C and antioxidants to a refreshing beverage
Vodka, grapefruit and club soda - low calorie drink with more vitamin C power punch of grapefruit
Bloody Mary - this drink is packed with vitamins from the vegetable juice and is lower in calories than other cocktails
Mojito with fresh fruit - even though this drink contains sugar, it's also packed with antioxidants from fruit and made with zero calorie soda water. I've also had some with herbs such as basil.
Blueberry Lime Margarita (Recipe from Eating Well magazine)
2 cups ice
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup blueberry nectar
1/4 cup soda water/seltzer
2 tablespoons lime juice/frozen limeade
3 ounces tequila
1 lime wedge
Power, C., et al. Goldberg, D. M., et al. Moderate alcohol consumption: the gentle face of Janus. Clinical Biochemistry, 1999, 32(7), 505-518.
Sound Bite: If you are going to enjoy a refreshing cocktail this weekend, add lots of fruit to give it some extra antioxidant power.
Comments
Post a Comment