We often hear people at parties or social gatherings say things like, "I’ve switched to gin and tonic; I’ve heard it’s healthier," or "Wine is the best choice for me." But does this imply that consuming alcohol is good for overall health? The debate over the health implications of alcohol has persisted for years. Health authorities have warned that there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption, while some studies suggest that moderate drinking, particularly of specific types of alcohol, may offer certain benefits.

Adding to this discussion, Professor Tim Spector recently shared his insights on the Zoe podcast regarding whether alcohol can ever be considered healthy. He clarified that while alcohol itself cannot be labeled as healthy, certain types of alcoholic beverages, especially those rich in polyphenols, might provide some health benefits.

Polyphenols are plant-based compounds recognized for their ability to enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and support healthy gut bacteria. Professor Spector pointed out that red wine and certain "artisan" ciders are particularly high in polyphenols. These compounds can offer a health boost due to their antioxidant properties and prebiotic effects, which nourish beneficial gut microbes. “I used to say red wine beats everything, but actually, I’ve found some artisan ciders that have high polyphenol levels,” he noted. Additionally, rosé, white wine, and specific beers, like traditional British ales and Belgian varieties, also contain polyphenols, though in lower quantities.

Red Wine
One reason red wine and artisan ciders rank higher in polyphenol content is their production methods, which typically involve less refinement and thus preserve more natural compounds. According to Professor Spector, to achieve the polyphenol levels found in red wine, one would need to consume three times as much white wine. This distinction illustrates why some alcoholic beverages are believed to offer more potential health benefits than others.

Distilled Spirits
On the other hand, distilled spirits such as vodka, gin, and whiskey lack beneficial compounds for gut health, as the distillation process removes nearly all polyphenols. “Anything distilled has very little that is good for your gut,” he remarked.

Dr. Sarah Berry, the lead scientist at Zoe, shared her views on the balance between the positive and negative effects of alcohol. While she acknowledged that polyphenols in certain alcoholic drinks may provide benefits, she cautioned that the alcohol content can lead to harmful effects when consumed excessively. “Once you exceed one or two drinks per day, the negative impacts of alcohol begin to outweigh any potential benefits from the bioactive compounds,” she noted. High alcohol consumption is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to various health problems.

For those interested in identifying drinks with higher polyphenol levels, Professor Spector offers a straightforward tip: pay attention to the sensation in your mouth. Polyphenol-rich beverages often create an astringent or drying feeling on the tongue, indicating the presence of tannins, a key type of polyphenol. This astringency is commonly found in red wines and certain ciders, where tannins and other polyphenols are abundant.

While alcohol itself is not beneficial, certain polyphenol-rich beverages may provide minor health advantages when consumed in moderation. However, both Professor Spector and Dr. Berry emphasize the importance of moderation, as even the slightest potential benefits of alcohol can be quickly overshadowed by the risks associated with overconsumption.